Texans Feel Impact Of Rising Gas Prices
Right now Texans on social media aren’t venting about the price of gas, they’re just frantically searching for stations that have gas available to purchase. Many have stated they have less than half a tank and have been driving long distances to find groceries, medication and other essentials.
The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.24 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents more than on this day last week and is 15 cents more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in El Paso are paying the most on average at $2.48 while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.14 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.57, which is eight cents more when compared to this day last week and 13 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
With all major Gulf Coast refineries impacted by the storm, gas supply is tightening, and pump prices are increasing. The situation is very similar to a Gulf Coast hurricane’s impact. Refineries come offline and until damage is assessed and operations are back-up and running, supply is tight especially with road conditions and power outages reducing fuel deliveries – if stations even have power to accept them. Until things thaw out and refineries are running again, drivers should expect more expensive pump prices. Gas prices were already increasing ahead of the winter storm due to rising crude oil prices and cuts by OPEC+.
Temporary Outages, Not A Shortage
“We urge drivers in the impacted areas to avoid unnecessary travel and not rush to get gas,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “These are temporary outages, not a shortage.”
Find the latest fuel price averages for your area by visiting gasprices.aaa.com.
Prices up to date at press time using market prices posted at 3:41 a.m. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free and revamped AAA App for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route and learn traffic conditions along that route, find discounts, locate parking, book a hotel and request and track AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at www.AAA.com/mobile.
To help members and non-members identify quality auto repair shops that can assist in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, AAA offers the Approved Auto Repair program as a free public service. AAA-approved repair facilities meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. Motorists can look for the Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA-approved shop online at AAA.com/Repair. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas.
