Average gas price in Dallas-Fort Worth near $2 a gallon

Average gas prices are close to $2 a gallon in the Metroplex after prices at the pump rose four of the last five weeks, according to the AAA Texas Fuel Gauge.

Drivers in Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas are paying the most on average at $1.98 a gallon, a one-week jump of four cents in Tarrant County and three cents in Dallas County. Since the first week of March, gas has climbed over 30 cents a gallon in the area, AAA reported.

The $1.98 price is the highest for major metropolitan areas of the state. Motorists in Amarillo plunked down quite a bit less at $1.78 a gallon, AAA reported.

Statewide gas prices have risen for five consecutive weeks — 37 cents a gallon for unleaded gas — to hit $1.89 a gallon, a three-cent jump from last week. That price, however, is still 33 cents lower than last year, AAA reported. The national gas price is $2.06 a gallon.

“Even though prices are on the rise, drivers across the country paid the cheapest quarterly gas prices in 12 years,” said Doug Shupe, a spokesman for AAA Texas/New Mexico. “Americans have saved nearly $10 billion on gasoline so far this year” compared with 2015.

It is possible to find retailers who are selling gas for less than the average.

By midday Thursday, 15 stations in the Fort Worth-Arlington area were selling gas below that price, with a Qwik Stop in north Fort Worth selling unleaded for $1.78.

According to fortworthgasprices.com, the website operated by Gas Buddy, three other stations on the western side of the Metroplex and Weatherford were selling gas for $1.79. The remaining 11 were charging $1.82 to $1.84.

At least part of the boost in price is to be expected. Many refineries are undergoing seasonal maintenance, which results in a decline in fuel production.

But it also is the time of year when producers switch to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline to meet EPA standards for cleaner-burning fuel.

The Energy Information Administration reported Thursday that it doesn’t expect the planned refinery maintenance during the first half of the year to have an impact on supply of gas, jet fuel and distillates. The agency said barring any unplanned outages, there should be adequate fuel.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Average gas price in Dallas-Fort Worth near $2 a gallon."