IRVING (February 28, 2013)--The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Texas dropped this week by a penny from last week to $3.63, AAA-Texas reported Thursday.

AAA said the statewide average is 15 cents below the national average of $3.78.

Gasoline prices were highest in Dallas, averaging $3.68 while El Paso drivers were paying the least at $3.48.

AAA says rising crude oil prices factored in a recent surge in retail prices, but the increase results more from refinery maintenance issues.

The association said this year's refinery maintenance schedule and switch to more-expensive summer-blend gasoline production seems to be have a more dramatic effect than in recent years and is happening earlier than last year.

An auto club spokesman said Texas drivers are paying about $51 to fill a 14-gallon tank.