Gas prices increase again

So gas is really expensive, in case you hadn't noticed. But there is a bright spot, even if it is a little one: The price of a gallon did increase this week, but the increase wasn't as steep as last week's. Hey, when we're paying $2.40 a gallon, we take the good news where we can get it.

According to AAA Texas, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded in Texas this week was $2.41, a 3-cent increase over last week's average. Sure, it's still an increase, but it's far better than the 11-cent jump from last week — and it's way better than what people are paying out west. "Although current gas prices are relatively high for Texas motorists, prices in California are above $3 a gallon for regular self-serve," AAA Texas spokeswoman Rose Rougeau said. "The increase comes on the back of strong demand for fuel, seasonal refinery conversions to the production of warm-weather blends and a relatively high oil price."

This week, the average gas price in Houston is $2.39, up 2.3 cents from last week. HoustonGasPrices.com reports the cheapest gallon in town is $2.19 at the Diamond Car Wash at 11722 Veterans Memorial (closer to downtown, try $2.27 at the Citgo station at 1333 Crosstimbers at the North Freeway. If you have money to burn, head to the west side, where you'll find a gallon going for $2.66 at the Shell station at Richmond and Chimney Rock.