The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.55 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is the same when compared to this day last week and is 21 cents less per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in San Angelo are paying the most on average at $2.74 per gallon while drivers in the Lubbock area are paying the least at $2.28 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.93, which is one cent less when compared to this day last week and 23 cents less when compared to this day last year.
Pump prices across Texas are expected to begin their seasonal increase as spring nears and refineries prepare to transition to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce. Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran could also place upward pressure on crude oil prices, the primary ingredient in gasoline. For now, drivers are benefiting from the lowest gas prices for this time of year since 2021, offering a window of savings before typical springtime increases take hold.
“Drivers are enjoying some welcome relief at the pump right now, but seasonal factors will likely start nudging prices higher in the coming weeks,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. “The switch to summer-blend gasoline and ongoing geopolitical tensions that could impact crude oil markets are two key factors to watch as we gear up for spring driving season.”
Understanding Seasonal Fuel Transition
Summer-blend gasoline is a cleaner-burning fuel required in warmer months to reduce smog. Because it’s formulated to evaporate less in hot weather, it’s more expensive to produce. Refineries also have to adjust operations during the switch, which can temporarily tighten supply. Those higher production costs and supply shifts often lead to higher prices at the pump.
