San Antonio drivers rolling up to the pump Tuesday morning got hit with an ugly surprise: overnight, many stations hiked prices by more than 50 cents, with signs jumping from around $3.60 to $4.19 or higher per gallon. The sudden spike sent commuters hunting for cheaper pumps and comparing rewards programs to squeeze a little more out of every tank.
Local reporting caught the shift in real time, as FOX San Antonio photographed and cataloged multiple stations that raised posted prices overnight. By Tuesday, the American Automobile Association's daily tracker put the San Antonio metro average at about $4.07 per gallon, higher than the statewide number, according to AAA.
Why prices spiked
Wholesale and crude markets have pushed retail prices higher this week after renewed violence and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz tightened global supply. Al Jazeera reported Brent crude briefly topping about $114 a barrel amid the fighting, a jump that typically filters down to the pump within days.
Where to find relief
Not every station moved in lockstep. Tracking apps and retailer rewards are still trimming a few dimes per gallon for drivers willing to shop around. KSAT noted a Murphy's Express on Palo Alto Road listing roughly $3.49 on Tuesday, and drivers told reporters they lean on GasBuddy and membership discounts to shave costs at checkout.
What officials and experts say
Local experts cautioned that there are few quick policy levers to pull and that price swings at the pump could stick around while global supply stays tight. Daniel Armbruster, a spokesman for AAA, told Texas Public Radio, “Adjust your speed, drive at a safe speed,” and advised drivers to avoid aggressive habits to improve fuel economy. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has urged Gov. Greg Abbott to consider suspending the state motor fuels tax, though analysts told the outlet such moves are complex and not immediate solutions.
Expect continued price swings this week. Drivers who can should keep scanning local trackers and rewards programs before filling up. This story will be updated as prices and official guidance evolve.
