TEXAS — The cost of gas across the state is rising, with AAA reporting some of the highest prices we’ve seen in months.
One of the biggest reasons experts say gas prices are increasing is the conflict overseas in the Middle East. As we near two weeks of conflict in Iran, the price of crude oil is soaring.
Early this week, Brent crude, which is the international benchmark for oil, increased to more than $100 a barrel. According to a report from The Associated Press, it was at about $70 a barrel before Feb. 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran.
“Iran is a key player when it comes to the global crude market, so any disruption to its infrastructure can have a consequential effect,” said Daniel Armbruster, a AAA spokesperson. “Oil is part of a global market, which means when there’s a shortfall in one part of the world, it has that domino effect, and it affects everywhere, including here in the United States. So, that’s why we’re seeing gasoline prices increase, because crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline.”
Statewide gas prices are about $3.21. That’s below the national average by about 33 cents. Texas’ highest prices have been seen along the border, like in El Paso, which sits at $3.47 per gallon, and Brewster County at $3.74 per gallon. Other major counties, like Travis, Bexar and Dallas, all fall in line with the statewide average. Harris County, on the other hand, is cheaper at about $3.08.
Regardless, these prices are taking a toll on Texas drivers.
“I have to drive every day sometimes, you know, up to 8-10 hours a day driving job site to job site all day every day, you know, and you can imagine how much gas is being spent daily and with these gas prices,” said a driver, who asked for his name not to be used. “It makes you not want to go out there, but we have no choice. You have to go, and it’s just killing everybody.”
Another driver, who also asked for his name not to be used, echoed those concerns.
“It’s definitely going to affect me being in the metroplex, traffic and all that. I live out a little further, so it definitely adds up so with the extra prices and the time it takes for me to get to work, it will definitely have an effect. I will definitely see it in my budget,” he said.
Gasoline also switched from a winter blend to a summer blend recently, which is normally more expensive. AAA says it’s too soon to tell how long these higher prices will last.
And if you’re planning on traveling for spring break, the Texas Department of Public Safety says it’s increasing patrols from now until March 17 to reduce crashes. Last year, in a similar effort, they distributed more than 93,000 citations and warnings. A majority of those were for speeding and driving without insurance.