SAN ANTONIO – Drivers are seeing a rare summer cool-down at the gas pump, as prices have dipped 12 cents in the past month.
"Oh, I'm loving it," motorist Chris Longhurst said.
Longhurst still had a half of a tank, but could not pass up $1.88 a gallon Friday in Converse.
The below-$2 sticker was welcome summer relief to Diamond Martinez, who was gassing up her guzzler on Friday.
"I just came from California, and it was $3.29 (there)," she said.
The average in San Antonio was $2.02 Friday, according to AAA. Prices have dropped almost daily for the past month, making this the cheapest start to summer fuel prices in 12 years.
Oil prices have remained near six-month lows, and road-tripping consumers are reaping the benefits.
"That's a good thing because it takes a while to get to Houston, and that's where I'm going to see my bro," Mary Jane Young said.
The drop in prices is expected to fuel an increase in Fourth of July road travel. AAA predicts 2.7 million Texans will hit the highways.
The No. 1 destination for family road trips is Orlando. If you pack the family into a Toyota Rav4, the round trip will cost about $151 in gas, according to AAA's calculator.
Analysts said motorists can likely expect another nickel drop by July 4, making the summer holiday cheaper than the previous Christmas.
"I don't have to think about gas," said Funmi Adams. "It's not part of my worries at all."
Adams drives a Prius and filled her tank for $14.52.
As for the remainder of summer, analysts anticipate stability, barring any hurricanes disrupting supplies.
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