When it’s time to fill up, you may have noticed prices starting to climb at the pump across East Texas.
TYLER, Texas — Drivers across East Texas are starting to feel the pinch at the gas pump as prices continue to rise. For some local gas stations, the spike is already changing how customers are filling up.
When it’s time to fill up, you may have noticed prices starting to climb at the pump across East Texas. According to AAA, the increase is being driven by conflict with Iran, along with seasonal demand as spring break travel begins to pick up.
“I just like to tell American people, I wish our salaries would go up like that,” said Tyler resident Gerald Lambert.
Texas’ average gas price now sits at $2.87 a gallon. That’s 26 cents higher than last week and 14 cents more than this time last year.
“Honestly, it’s not surprising. Gas prices shoot up like crazy,” said Tyler resident Shane Blanton. “I don’t even know how they control it, but one day you feel like it’s dirt cheap, and the next it’s just astronomical.”
At Mahi Food Mart in Tyler, staff say they’re seeing panic buying from customers.
“Because people don’t know the certainty of the pricing. We had it down to like 2.25, to 1.99 on our happy hour, but then it jumped up to 2.99 now,” said Daniel, a worker at the station. “So people are still purchasing because they feel like there might be a time where everybody will run out of gas.”
Right now, that’s not the case. Triple A says gas prices are climbing partly due to global tensions, with Iran playing a key role in the global oil market.
While higher prices at the pump may be straining drivers’ budgets, experts say there are still ways to protect your wallet.
“Consistent habits, consistent, disciplined planning. Have about three to six months worth of an emergency fund, avoid high interest debt, and have consistent automatic savings,” said James Holloway, principal partner with Holloway Partnership.
Holloway says market volatility is normal and encourages people to stay focused on their long-term financial goals.