Texas Gasoline Data API vs Texas Fuel Prices API: What to Choose?

When it comes to accessing fuel price data in Texas, developers have two robust options: the Texas Gasoline Data API and the Texas Fuel Prices API. Each API offers unique features and capabilities that cater to different needs, whether for historical analysis or real-time data retrieval. In this blog post, we will delve into a detailed comparison of these two APIs, exploring their features, use cases, performance, and ultimately providing recommendations on which API to choose based on specific requirements.

Overview of Both APIs

The Texas Gasoline Data API specializes in providing historical data on retail gasoline prices in Texas. It focuses on conventional regular gasoline, offering users the ability to track price fluctuations over time. The data is structured by month and year, with weekly price values recorded in dollars per gallon. This API is particularly useful for market analysts, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding historical trends in gasoline pricing.

On the other hand, the Texas Fuel Prices API provides real-time data on both gasoline and diesel prices across Texas. This API is designed for businesses and travelers who need up-to-date information to make informed decisions about fuel purchases and route planning. It covers a wide range of locations, from urban centers to rural areas, making it a versatile tool for various applications.

Feature Comparison

Texas Gasoline Data API Features

The Texas Gasoline Data API offers two primary features:

Get Historical Gasoline Prices

This feature allows users to retrieve historical fuel prices in Texas for a specified month and year. By indicating a month and a year as parameters, users can access data from June 2000 to December 2024. This capability is essential for those conducting market analysis or economic research.

{"year":2002,"month":"June","price":1.288}

In this example response, the fields represent:

year: The year of the recorded price.
month: The month of the recorded price.
price: The price of gasoline in dollars per gallon for that month.

Get Average Gasoline Price

This feature provides users with the most recent gasoline price data available in Texas. By calling this feature, users can quickly access the latest monthly price, which is crucial for staying updated on current market conditions.

[{"year":2025,"month":1,"price":2.698}]

The response fields include:

year: The year of the average price.
month: The month of the average price.
price: The average price of gasoline in dollars per gallon for that month.

Texas Fuel Prices API Features

The Texas Fuel Prices API offers three key features:

Latest Prices

This feature allows users to pass the state code and receive the latest fuel prices, updated daily. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to monitor fuel costs in real-time.

{"status":200,"success":true,"state":"Texas","date":"2024-02-26","prices":{"regular":"$2.847","mid-grade":"$3.237","premium":"$3.576","diesel":"$3.726"}}

The response fields include:

status: Indicates the success of the request.
success: A boolean value indicating whether the request was successful.
state: The state for which the prices are reported.
date: The date of the reported prices.
prices: An object containing the prices for regular, mid-grade, premium gasoline, and diesel.

Average per State

This feature allows users to pass the state code and receive average fuel prices for that state, including today's average, yesterday's, weekly, and annually. This comprehensive data set is invaluable for businesses looking to analyze trends over time.

{"status":200,"success":true,"state":"Texas","date":"2024-02-26","prices":{"today_average":{"regular":"$2.847","mid-grade":"$3.237","premium":"$3.576","diesel":"$3.726"},"yesterday_average":{"regular":"$2.849","mid-grade":"$3.257","premium":"$3.594","diesel":"$3.735"},"week_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.912","mid-grade":"$3.320","premium":"$3.658","diesel":"$3.796"},"month_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.757","mid-grade":"$3.191","premium":"$3.526","diesel":"$3.499"},"year_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.926","mid-grade":"$3.311","premium":"$3.646","diesel":"$3.904"}}}

The response fields include:

today_average: An object containing today's average prices for regular, mid-grade, premium gasoline, and diesel.
yesterday_average: An object containing yesterday's average prices.
week_ago_average: An object containing prices from a week ago.
month_ago_average: An object containing prices from a month ago.
year_ago_average: An object containing prices from a year ago.

Metro Area Averages

This feature allows users to pass the state code and receive average fuel prices from various metro areas within that state. This is particularly useful for businesses operating in multiple locations or for travelers planning routes through different cities.

{"status":200,"success":true,"state":"Texas","date":"2024-02-26","prices":{"Amarillo":{"today_average":{"regular":"$2.716","mid-grade":"$2.981","premium":"$3.297","diesel":"$3.440"},"yesterday_average":{"regular":"$2.716","mid-grade":"$2.964","premium":"$3.279","diesel":"$3.452"},"week_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.678","mid-grade":"$2.975","premium":"$3.299","diesel":"$3.510"},"month_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.485","mid-grade":"$2.765","premium":"$3.089","diesel":"$3.345"},"year_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.957","mid-grade":"$3.240","premium":"$3.542","diesel":"$3.922"}},"Austin-San Marcos":{"today_average":{"regular":"$2.850","mid-grade":"$3.260","premium":"$3.608","diesel":"$3.737"},"yesterday_average":{"regular":"$2.858","mid-grade":"$3.299","premium":"$3.645","diesel":"$3.752"},"week_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.951","mid-grade":"$3.369","premium":"$3.724","diesel":"$3.830"},"month_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.791","mid-grade":"$3.243","premium":"$3.596","diesel":"$3.460"},"year_ago_average":{"regular":"$2.957","mid-grade":"$3.240","premium":"$3.542","diesel":"$3.922"}}}}

The response fields include:

Amarillo: An object containing average prices for Amarillo, including today's, yesterday's, weekly, monthly, and yearly averages.
Austin-San Marcos: Similar to Amarillo, this object contains average prices for the Austin-San Marcos area.

Performance and Scalability Analysis

When considering performance and scalability, both APIs have their strengths. The Texas Gasoline Data API is optimized for historical data retrieval, making it efficient for users who need to analyze trends over time. Its structured data format allows for quick parsing and analysis, which is crucial for applications that require historical insights.

Conversely, the Texas Fuel Prices API excels in providing real-time data, which is essential for applications that require up-to-the-minute information. Its ability to deliver daily updates ensures that users have access to the latest fuel prices, making it ideal for businesses that need to make immediate decisions based on current market conditions.

Pros and Cons of Each API