Texas gas prices dip to lowest levels in four years as concerns about pandemic take hold

Average gas prices have dropped to their lowest levels in four years as coronavirus measures and concerns take their toll on road travel, with Dallas prices down 77 cents per gallon less than a year ago.

The statewide gas price average this week dropped to $1.80 a gallon for regular unleaded fuel, AAA Texas reported Thursday. That’s 11 cents less per gallon compared to a week ago, 62 cents less than the same date a year ago and 27 cents less than the national average of $2.07 a gallon.

“Demand for both crude oil and retail gasoline continues to decrease as fewer drivers are out on the road,” said AAA Texas spokesman Daniel Armbruster. Official measures and public concerns about coronavirus are the driving factor, he said, as well as debate among producers about future production.

In Dallas, the average price per gallon of gas was $1.71, a 13-cent drop from last week and 77 cents less than last year.

Average gas prices haven’t dipped this low since mid-February 2019, according to AAA Texas.

Prices are dropping in a season accustomed to price upticks with warming weather and motorists hitting the road for spring break.

Of the major metropolitan areas that AAA surveyed in Texas, Midland drivers are shelling out the most on average at $2.00/gallon while those in Sherman/Denison are paying the least at $1.50.

The association notes that with ample supply and no disruption to distribution, there’s no need for motorists to rush to the pumps to fill up.