Gas Prices Drop in San Angelo Ahead of Labor Day Weekend Travel Surge

SAN ANGELO, TX – As Texans gear up for the Labor Day weekend, gas prices have seen a welcome drop, providing some relief for travelers.

According to the latest data from AAA Texas, the average price for regular unleaded fuel in Texas is $2.95 per gallon, down four cents from last week and a significant 46 cents lower than this time last year.

The national average price sits slightly higher at $3.36 per gallon, also reflecting a decrease of three cents from the previous week and a 46-cent drop from last year. El Paso has the highest gas prices among Texas cities at $3.39 per gallon, while Lubbock offers the lowest at $2.78 per gallon.

In San Angelo, drivers are paying an average of $2.89 per gallon, slightly down by 12 cents compared to last year. This decline is in line with the statewide trend and provides a slight reprieve for those planning to hit the road for the long weekend.

AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster noted that the drop in gas prices is a result of lower inventories and solid demand, which is currently estimated at 9.307 million barrels per day by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Despite the downward trend, Armbruster warned that fluctuations are possible due to increased travel demand over the holiday weekend.

“This statewide gas price average is 46 cents cheaper heading into this Labor Day when compared to one year ago,” Armbruster stated. “While fluctuations remain possible due to holiday travel demand, fuel prices are expected to continue on a downward trend heading into September.”

In addition to lower gas prices, AAA Texas reports that this year’s Labor Day travel is expected to be robust, with a 9% increase in domestic travel bookings compared to last year. The top domestic destinations include Seattle, WA, and Orlando, FL, while international travelers favor Vancouver, Canada, and Rome, Italy.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they are leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.