Texas Gas Prices Climb 13 Cents as Crude Oil Nears $80 a Barrel

Texans are facing rising gas prices again this week. Many hoped last week was a fluke, and prices would trend downward again, but unfortunately, prices rose again. According to AAA Texas, gas prices in Texas are up 13 cents from last week, with the average price per gallon at $3.55.

We're paying 76 more cents than last year. With back-to-school on the horizon, the extra money Texans have to shell out for gas is going to hurt their bottom lines.

Right now, 4 cities are paying the lowest price of $3.42 per gallon: Houston, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Longview, and Tyler. El Paso is still on top as the highest, paying $3.95 per gallon, which is 1 cent higher than the national average at $3.94.

Texas Gas Prices by City

• Amarillo: $3.48 - Last week: $3.45 - up 3 cents from last week
• Lubbock: $3.57 - Last week: $3.46 - up 11 cents from last week
• Midland: $3.65 - Last week: $3.48 - up 17 cents from last week
• Odessa: $3.63 - Last week: $3.46 - up 17 cents from last week
• Tyler: $3.42 - Last week: $3.29 - up 13 cents from last week
• Abilene: $3.55 - Last week: $3.35 - up 20 cents from last week
• El Paso: $3.95 - Last week: $3.92 - up 3 cents from last week

Here are the prices in other Texas cities.

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What's Driving the Gas Price Increase

Texas drivers are seeing another noticeable increase at the pump as uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz pushes crude oil prices higher,” said Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for AAA Texas. “While the statewide average remains well below $4 per gallon, continued volatility in the oil market could lead to additional fluctuations in retail gasoline prices.

Crude Oil Prices Climb Amid Middle East Tension

According to OilPrice.com, Brent Crude oil is currently at $84.86 per barrel, while WTI Crude is at $78.99 per barrel.

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GasBuddy's Take on the Trend

According to Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum at GasBuddy:

The turnaround comes as oil prices have surged following the collapse of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran and the start of new attacks, with oil jumping another 4% in Sunday evening (July 12) trading, an ominous sign that could bring additional gas and diesel price increases in the week ahead.

In the meantime, Texans will once again patiently wait for cheaper gas prices to return.