Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — AAA Texas reported Thursday that Dallas and Fort Worth hold the spot for most expensive gasoline in Texas this week, topping out at $2.48 per gallon. Drivers in Beaumont have the cheapest gasoline statewide at an average $2.28 per gallon.

The report found that the statewide average jumped 7 cents this week to reach $2.38 per gallon. By contrast, gasoline prices across the U.S. are up 9 cents to hit an average $2.58 per gallon.

AAA experts say recent gasoline price increases have been the product of rising global crude prices, the seasonal switch to summer-blend gasoline and regional refinery issues.

Meanwhile, a house bill passed this month could no longer prohibit hydraulic fracturing under an oil and gas industry-backed measure. H.B. 40 - otherwise known as the "Denton Fracking Bill" - comes months after the city of Denton banned local fracking over environmental and safety concerns. That ordinance is now being challenged by lawsuits brought by the state and industry groups.

Republicans say the new restrictions are needed to prevent a patchwork of drilling laws from spreading across Texas.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)