HOUSTON – For many, filling up the tank is part of the weekly routine. But lately, that routine has become more expensive.
“I did notice that it went up in like a week,” said driver Paola Aguire. “It went up to almost 40 cents, so that’s a lot of money.”
Another driver, TC Coleman, said the rising prices are hard to ignore at the pump.
“These gas prices are ridiculous,” Coleman said while filling up his vehicle.
Why gas prices are rising
According to analysts with GasBuddy, global tensions involving Iran are playing a major role in the recent increase. The conflict has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
“Iran has effectively chilled the traffic through the Strait of Hormuz with threats,” said GasBuddy analyst Matt McClain. “So, the tankers at this point have dropped anchor and they’re not budging.”
About 20% of the world’s oil supply normally moves through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning disruptions there can quickly push crude oil prices higher, McClain said.
“Because crude oil prices are set on a global scale, we’re going to have a price issue,” McClain said. “And that’s going to continue until the Strait of Hormuz reopens.”
Oil prices recently climbed above $100 a barrel, the first time since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
How much drivers are paying in Houston
Gas prices vary across the Houston metro area, but averages recently hovered around $3 per gallon in many parts of Harris County.
In some areas, drivers have reported seeing prices even higher.
One driver said she recently spotted gas priced at about $4 per gallon at a station and decided to keep looking for a cheaper option.
“I didn’t fill up,” Aguire said. “I was trying to find gas where it’s not that expensive.”
Despite the increase, McClain said Texas drivers may not see prices hit $4 per gallon statewide right now.
“I don’t think $4 is in the cards for Texas,” he said. “Even if prices jump another 50 cents, you’re still not there.”
Some drivers say the higher prices are already changing how often they get behind the wheel.
“I won’t be going out as much,” Aguire said. “I will try not to drive as much because gas is too expensive.”
Others are simply filling up only when absolutely necessary.
“I was running out, so I had to stop and get gas,” said Houston driver Hattie Carothers. “It was an emergency.”
Tips to save money at the pump
Experts say drivers may still be able to reduce fuel costs with a few simple strategies:
- Use loyalty rewards programs: Many gas stations and grocery stores offer fuel discounts or offer rewards for members.
- Drive more efficiently: Experts say driving slower and keeping vehicles well maintained can improve fuel efficiency by 25% to 35%.
GasBuddy analysts say prices could remain volatile as long as tensions in the Middle East continue.
“The reality of the situation is prices unfortunately aren’t going to get a whole lot better until we get things back to some sense of normalcy,” McClain said.
For now, many Houston drivers say they’re simply watching the numbers at the pump and adjusting their routines as needed.