The pump prices in San Antonio have motorists digging deeper into their pockets, with a 25-cent spike from last year, as reported by AAA. The average gas price in the city has hit $3.22 for a gallon of regular unleaded, a noticeable hike from the previous year's $2.97, as stated by KSAT. On the broader state level, Texans are shelling out an average of $3.24 per gallon, which, despite being 19 cents higher than in 2023, still manages to stay under the national average of $3.64.
Not just content to rise steadily, gas prices in San Antonio have been seen to specifically surge over just the last week. AAA Texas reported a 27-cent increase, taking the already elevated price to even heftier amounts. The sudden jump places San Antonio's gas prices among the highest in Texas cities, trailing only behind Dallas-Ft. Worth at $3.46 and Sherman-Denison at $3.39, as per KTSA. This jump is substantial when considering that the statewide average increased by only seven cents during the same period.
While San Antonio drivers grapple with these rates, Lubbock has maintained the lowest average at $3.03, a stark contrast to the steep prices elsewhere. But all Texas drivers have to prepare to possibly pay more as Memorial Day draws nearer, traditionally a time when gas prices inflate due to increased travel demand. This would be a continuation of the trend identified by AAA that has seen prices inch upward, contrary to the 14-cent decline San Antonio enjoyed just a week prior.
In an attempt to explain these price pattern shifts, AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster pointed out that the introduction of the summer blend of gasoline, coupled with a slight uptick in demand and a dip in supply, are the key factors driving the costs higher. "The ingredients are just right to force fuel prices higher across much of Texas," Armbruster told KTSA, indicating that these seasonal and market forces are unfortunately aligning to make gas even more expensive for consumers.
As for how the Lone Star State stacks up against the rest of the nation, Texans can still take solace in knowing that, despite the recent hikes, they're paying slightly less on average than the current national rate for regular unleaded, which sits at $3.67. Yet, with the trend demonstrating an upward trajectory and a holiday weekend looming, it's a solace that may soon prove cold comfort.
