San Antonio gas prices near $4 as Texas tracks toward most expensive September on record

SAN ANTONIO — Drivers across San Antonio are adjusting their budgets and daily routines as gas prices remain significantly higher than they were a year ago.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in San Antonio was about $3.91 Tuesday, according to AAA. That’s up from about $2.72 a gallon at the same time last year. Diesel was averaging about $5.92 a gallon, compared with about $3.11 a year ago.

For some drivers, the higher prices are changing more than what they spend at the pump.

“I don’t go out anymore. I only go out if I’m going to work or I’m going back home,” driver Erik Garza said.

Garza said his commute is about 30 minutes each way and that he now has to account for significantly more money for fuel.

“I was paying like 20 bucks, 25 bucks for gas back then. Now it’s like $30, $40,” Garza said. “I have to at least save like $150 a week for gas due to me traveling 30 minutes to work every single day.”

Other drivers said they are finding ways to make each trip count.

“When I go out, I do everything at the same time and not go back and forth in my car,” driver Adriana Badillo said. “That’s the only thing I could do. That’s the best I can do.”

AAA spokesperson Daniel Armbruster said the statewide average rose to about $3.96 per gallon Tuesday. While San Antonio saw a slight overnight decrease, Armbruster said drivers should expect prices to continue fluctuating.

“When you look at the statewide average in Texas, we are on track to see the most expensive September on record,” Armbruster said.

AAA data shows Texas’ record-high average for regular gasoline was about $4.69 per gallon in June 2022, meaning current prices remain below the state’s all-time high.

Armbruster said crude oil prices remain the biggest factor affecting what drivers pay at the pump.

There could, however, be some relief ahead.

“There is a chance for some relief. If crude oil prices keep coming down, we will see a little bit of relief at the pump, likely,” Armbruster said. “But we also could see relief because of the switch over to winter-blend gasoline.”

The impact of higher fuel prices extends beyond passenger vehicles.

John Esparza, president and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, said diesel prices are putting additional pressure on an industry in which fuel is already one of the largest expenses.

“Fuel happens to be one of trucking’s largest expenses,” Esparza said. “So price increases will hit carriers quite directly and quite quickly, quite frankly.”

Esparza said higher transportation costs can eventually affect consumers, particularly as trucks move goods across Texas ahead of the holiday season.

“Higher fuel prices are going to just weaken consumer spending,” Esparza said. “So when households have to spend more to fill their cars, much less the trucks to cover transportation costs, they have just less money to spend on groceries, clothing, household goods and other purchases.”

AAA recommends drivers shop around for lower prices, take advantage of fuel and retailer reward programs, avoid quick acceleration and keep their vehicles properly maintained. Armbruster said proper tire maintenance can also help drivers maximize fuel efficiency.

For some San Antonio drivers, though, the immediate reality is much simpler.

“You just got to pay the price,” San Antonio resident Rodrick King said.