Southeast Texas gas prices remain among the highest in the state despite slight relief. Experts warn global tensions and summer demand could push prices higher.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Gas prices in Southeast Texas remain among the highest in the state, even as drivers across Texas see slight relief at the pump.
According to AAA, the Beaumont–Port Arthur area ranks as the fifth most expensive region in Texas for gasoline. Recent data shows El Paso drivers paying an average of $3.80 per gallon, followed by College Station at $3.79, Galveston at $3.74, Houston at $3.72 and Beaumont at $3.69.
While the statewide average has declined for the second consecutive week, prices in Southeast Texas are falling more slowly.
Experts say global tensions and seasonal demand are key factors driving the trend.
A temporary ceasefire involving Iran earlier this month helped ease pressure on global oil markets, contributing to modest price decreases. However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding oil supply routes — including the Strait of Hormuz — continues to influence prices.
“We’ve actually seen some declines in prices at the pump, which is good news for drivers,” said Doug Shupe of AAA Texas. “But we’re still paying considerably more today for a gallon of regular unleaded than we were a year ago.”
John McCullough, an economics professor at Lamar University, said gas prices are largely driven by market expectations and seasonal changes — not just the number of refineries in the region.
“The refineries right now are switching over to a summer blend of gasoline, and that’s putting increased pressure on gasoline prices to go up higher,” McCullough said. “So we announced that there’s going to be a cease fire, and the strait of Hormuz is going to be open. Then those expectations will cause prices to come down. And it’s all expectations.”
McCullough added that prices may not significantly decrease for another two to three months.
For many drivers, the impact is already being felt.
Ladericka Seastruck, a Jasper resident, said rising gas prices are making it harder to keep up with everyday expenses.
“It’s affecting me for its bills and trying to live because everything’s going up, like food and gas,” Seastruck said.
Brandy Fiebenthall, a Groves resident who fills up multiple times a week for work, said the costs would be difficult to manage without assistance from her empolyers.
“If I was paying for it out of pocket, I wouldn’t be able to do this twice a week,” Fiebenthall said. “That’s, you can say, 200 bucks in a week for gas that could pay for my grocery.”
With summer travel season approaching and global uncertainty still in play, experts warn that any recent relief at the pump could be temporary.