AAA Texas: Fuel Gauge Monthly Report; Steep Increases Across State

IRVING, Texas--April 11, 2006--Gasoline prices across Texas rose sharply in the past month to an average of $2.662 per gallon, a 38 cent increase from last month, according the AAA Texas' Monthly Fuel Gauge Report.

The current average price is 49 cents higher than last year's monthly average of $2.169 per gallon.

"We are accustomed to seeing prices rise steeply in the springtime, but the escalating cost of crude is adding upward pressure to prices," said AAA Texas spokesperson Rose Rougeau. "The trend may continue as strong demand combined with uncertainties about gas and ethanol supplies in the coming weeks may keep prices on their upward course."

The lowest average price in Texas is in Longview, where regular self-serve is selling for 2.600 per gallon. Dallas has the most expensive gas in the state with an average price of $2.802. Nationally, the average price is $2.686, up 41 cents from last year.

AAA Texas' Fuel Gauge Report is based on data from the Oil Price Information Service, the nation's most comprehensive source of petroleum pricing information.

AAA Texas, an affiliate of AAA National, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas' members benefit from the organization's roadside assistance service, insurance and financial products, travel agency, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' web site at www.aaa-texas.com.

Average Price of Self-Serve Gasoline

     City        State       Apr. 06        Mar. 06        Apr. 05
-------------- ---------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Abilene            TX         2.651          2.263          2.189
Amarillo           TX         2.620          2.331          2.206
Austin             TX         2.630          2.270          2.159
Beaumont           TX         2.708          2.290          2.146
Brownsville        TX         2.625          2.253          2.164
Corpus Christi     TX         2.625          2.242          2.170
Dallas             TX         2.802          2.315          2.180
El Paso            TX         2.620          2.314          2.182
Fort Worth         TX         2.789          2.310          2.167
Houston            TX         2.732          2.280          2.149
Laredo             TX         2.612          2.219          2.155
Longview           TX         2.600          2.250          2.150
Lubbock            TX         2.619          2.328          2.185
Midland            TX         2.679          2.305          2.184
Odessa             TX         2.676          2.304          2.175
San Antonio        TX         2.606          2.232          2.141
Waco               TX         2.651          2.248          2.168

Average                       2.662          2.280          2.169