Drivers find lowest July gas prices in 12 years

San Antonio average dips to $1.99

SAN ANTONIO – Drivers are paying the coolest summer gas prices in years, and that's fueling more family road trips.

"It's road trip time, that's right, " said Cameron Amhad, whose family was filling up the ice chest and the gas guzzler's tank, too.

"Right now, we're happy with anything below $2," he said.

He was filling up for $1.87 a gallon.

Drivers are seeing rare summer relief at the pump, paying the cheapest summer gas prices in 12 years.

The San Antonio average, according to GasBuddy.com is $1.99. On the same date last year, it was $2.48. Five years ago, drivers were paying a painful $3.57 a gallon.

Prices are down because supplies are abundant and that's fueling a surge of road trippers like Tony Wright, who was headed to Houston just for the heck of it.

"Just for fun," she said. "It's a treat to fill up for 18 dollars."  

Even three years ago, she said she would not have indulged in such a day trip.

Juan Vargas filled up his Ford pickup for $35, making his family's trip from Dallas to San Antonio and the beach a little more affordable.

"A few months ago, it was real expensive," he said. "Right now, it's good."

As families hit the road to wrap up another hot Texas summer, oil analysts at GasBuddy.com  say, barring any major hurricane or major disruption, prices should continue to go down.


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.