Falling Fuel Prices Defy the Norm for This time of Year

Gasoline prices are falling in Houston and across the country during a time when prices normally inch up as the summer driving starts.

The price of a gallon of gas in Houston has fallen 18 cents over the last month to an average of $2.89, fuel-price tracking service GasBuddy said Monday. Prices are around 16 cents a gallon lower than the same time last year. 

Declining fuel prices in Houston mirror the national trend — $3.41 per gallon was the average gasoline price on Monday, down 18 cents compared to last month and 14 cents compared to last year. 

The driving force behind dip is increasingly fuel-efficient vehicles that are tamping down demand for gasoline, analysts said.