HOUSTON – Gas prices are rising across the country as tensions in the Middle East push global oil prices higher, and drivers in Houston are beginning to see the impact at the pump.
As of March 9, the average price for regular gasoline in the Houston area is about $3.05 per gallon, according to AAA.
While the price per gallon is around the same, the total cost to fill up depends on the size of your vehicle’s gas tank.
Here’s what Houston drivers can expect to pay when filling up from nearly empty, based on common vehicle types.
Compact or small sedan
Most smaller cars, such as a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra, typically have a 12- to 14-gallon gas tank.
At the current Houston average price of about $3.05 per gallon, filling up would cost roughly:
12-gallon tank: about $36.60
14-gallon tank: about $42.70
For many commuters driving compact cars, a typical fill-up now falls between $35 and $45.
Mid-size SUV or crossover
Many popular family vehicles in Houston, including models like the Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer, typically have tanks of around 17 to 19 gallons.
At Houston’s current gas prices:
17-gallon tank: about $51.85
19-gallon tank: about $57.95
For mid-size vehicles, drivers are now likely paying around $50 to $60 to fill up.
Pickup trucks and large SUVs
Trucks are extremely common in Texas, and many full-size pickups, such as the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or Ram 1500, have 23- to 26-gallon tanks.
At about $3.05 per gallon, filling up could cost:
23-gallon tank: about $70.15
26-gallon tank: about $79.30
That means many truck owners could be paying $70 to nearly $80 per fill-up.
If the average price of gas were to rise another 50 cents per gallon, drivers could see their fill-up costs jump by $6 to $13 more per tank, depending on the size of their vehicle.
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