AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Texas gas prices statewide rose 8 cents since last week, according to AAA Texas, however, Amarillo continued to have one of the lowest average prices in the state.
Gas prices statewide were reported at an average of $2.76/gallon on Thursday while Amarillo was 30 cents cheaper at $2.46/gallon and 5 cents cheaper than last week. AAA Texas reported that drivers in El Paso were paying the most on average at $3.22/gallon.
Nationally, the average price per gallon is $3.10 which was 1 cent more compared to last week. Texas currently sits in 9th place for the lowest gas prices in the nation while Hawaii sits with $4.68/gallon being the highest in the nation, according to AAA Texas.
AAA officials cited the reason for the jump in prices as the main ingredient, crude oil. Prices for crude oil were boosted by an unexpectedly large decline in U.S. inventories and a production drop due to winter weather.
“More expensive crude oil is beginning to push retail gasoline prices higher, including here in Texas,” said Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for AAA Texas. The best way to save on fuel is to drive a well-maintained vehicle, go the speed limit, and utilize the free AAA mobile app to find the cheapest gas near you.”