Gas is getting pricier just as millions of Texans are prepping to hit the highway for Fourth of July getaways, and Houston drivers are feeling it. AAA's daily data has the statewide average sitting around $3.33 per gallon, with the Houston area a tick higher at roughly $3.35 a gallon. The jump from last summer is enough that some travelers are choosing to top off early before the holiday rush really kicks in.
What Texans Are Paying At The Pump
According to AAA, the Texas average for regular unleaded was $3.335 per gallon as of July 1, while the Houston metro average hovered near $3.35. That price is roughly 50 cents higher than at this time last year, based on AAA's year-ago comparison, which means even routine fill-ups can feel a lot more painful right now.
Thin Supplies, Higher Prices
Tight supply is a big piece of the puzzle. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that total motor gasoline inventories fell by about 2.3 million barrels in the week ending June 26 and are roughly 7% below the five-year average. That tighter stockpile ahead of peak summer driving, paired with strong refinery utilization and normal seasonal demand, is the kind of combination that tends to nudge both wholesale and retail prices higher.
Holiday Road Rush Will Add Pressure
The crowds are not going to help. AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel during the Independence Day holiday period, with more than 61 million expected to drive. All those extra cars on the road and heavier weekend traffic often translate into firmer pump prices in the days leading up to the Fourth.
Houston Drivers Are Feeling It Now
In the Houston area, the bump is already obvious. Local reporting has highlighted pumps around $3.35 a gallon and travelers choosing to fill up before pulling onto the freeway, as KHOU noted. For motorists trying to stretch every dollar of a vacation budget, a few cents a gallon quickly adds up over a long drive.
How To Dodge The Worst Pump Pain
Drivers do have a few tools to blunt the impact. Filling up before peak travel times, using price-comparison apps, and choosing warehouse-club or discount stations when possible can all help trim the total bill. If you are heading out this weekend, a quick price check and a full tank before the busiest getaway hours could shave at least a few dollars off that July Fourth road trip.
