SA motorists ring in new year with $1.67 gas

San Antonio average drops to $1.98 per gallon

SAN ANTONIO – Brian Adams topped off his pickup's tank for less than $20 Thursday and promptly whipped out his cellphone to take a picture of the numbers on the pump.

"I'm going to post this to Facebook," he said.

He filled up for a Tweet-worthy $1.67 a gallon at the Murphy USA at 1430 Austin Highway.

"I probably couldn't drive the last time it was that cheap," said driver Jasper Spires.

The price of unleaded has been on a streak, dropping 97 days straight.

The average locally is $1.98 a gallon, according to AAA. That's $1.12 per gallon less than one year ago.

"We started seeing it drop and drop and drop," said driver Art Tijerina. "My wife is laughing at me sending pictures. She says, ‘Oh my God, you're obsessed with these prices.'"

The price of crude oil has plummeted in recent months, leading to a sharp decline in gasoline prices. Where crude costs will go in the new year is uncertain.

However, should prices remain stable, the Energy Information Institute projects that drivers will spend $550 less on gas this year compared to last.

That's welcome news to Jacque Morgan, who was just beginning to fuel her SUV.

"When it was high, it was $65, and I am hoping it will be under $30," she said. "I will be so happy."

When the pump clicked off, her total read $26.18. 

"This is going to be the happiest new year," she said while snapping a picture to prove her good fortune.


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.