HOUSTON – If it felt a little more expensive to fill up this week, you’re not imagining it.
Gas prices across Texas ticked up after a major winter storm disrupted parts of the fuel supply chain, according to the latest AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average for regular unleaded is now $2.50 a gallon, about five cents higher than this time last week, but still well below where prices were a year ago.
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In the Houston area, drivers are seeing prices climb as stations adjust following the freeze. While prices here remain below the national average, AAA Texas says the storm created the kind of one-two punch that often leads to higher costs at the pump: tighter supply and increased demand.
Across Texas, prices vary widely. Drivers in Corpus Christi are paying the most on average at $2.64 a gallon, while motorists in the Lubbock area are seeing the lowest prices at about $2.27. Nationally, the average price for regular unleaded is $2.87 a gallon, up two cents from last week but 25 cents cheaper than this time last year.
AAA Texas said below-freezing temperatures and lingering snow slowed some crude oil production and refinery operations, including in parts of Texas. At the same time, many drivers rushed to fill up ahead of hazardous travel conditions, pushing demand higher just as supply was tightening.
“Severe winter weather can disrupt multiple parts of the fuel supply chain,” said Daniel Armbruster, a spokesperson for AAA Texas. “Production slowdowns, delivery delays, and increased demand ahead of the storm all played a role in pushing prices higher at the pump over the past week.”
For Houston drivers, the good news is that prices remain relatively low compared to last year, and experts say increases tied to weather disruptions are often temporary. As temperatures normalize and fuel operations return to full capacity, AAA Texas expects prices to stabilize.
Until then, AAA recommends drivers keep an eye on prices in their area and plan ahead, especially if more winter weather or travel is in the forecast.