When it comes to gas prices in Texas, the motto “Everything’s bigger in Texas” doesn’t apply—Texas has some of the lowest gas prices of all the states. Experts suggest that rising rates are due to volatility in the gas and oil market, increasing demands, and longer commutes.

After the ban on Russian oil and gas imports in early March 2022, there was a sharp increase in gas prices—higher than they already were. With a decreasing supply and an increasing demand following the onset of COVID-19, the U.S. gas market took a significant hit—and rates have become increasingly unaffordable for many drivers.

If you are looking for the scoop on sky-high gas prices in Texas and how you can save money on car expenses, we're breaking it all down for you.

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How to lower your Texas car insurance costs

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What is the average price of gas in Texas?

If you’re thinking gas in Texas is cheap, think again. As of May 2022, the

AAA

estimated the average gas price in Texas at $4.094/gal—slightly less than the national average of $4.404/gal.

If you’re filling your tank with anything other than regular unleaded, you can expect prices to be even higher. Here’s how the price of gas in Texas differs by grade:

Regular: $4.095/gal

Mid-grade: $4.405/gal

Premium: $4.709/gal

Diesel: $5.251/gal

If you’re behind the wheel of a diesel truck—prices average $5.251/gal—or a car that requires premium fuel, your wallet is in for a beating when it’s time to fill up the tank.

Which city in Texas has the highest gas prices?

With that said, the average is just that—an average. Gas prices across Texas differ between cities. The three biggest cities in Texas—

Dallas

El Paso

, and

Fort Worth

—take the cake for the highest prices ranging between $4.178/gal and $4.184/gal for regular unleaded and up to $5.308/gal for diesel.

If you’re looking to save a few dollars on your fill-up, you’ll find the lowest prices in the north and south in cities like

, and

-Mission, with prices as low as $3.920/gal for regular unleaded and $5.237/gal for diesel.

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Why are gas prices in Texas so high?

Compared to states like

California

New York

, and

Illinois

, where gas prices range from $4.623/gal to $5.848/gal, prices in Texas don’t seem so outrageous. But when you look at the price from a year ago—just $2.702/gal—it’s nearly doubled. Why the jump?

Gas prices are continually fluctuating, but there are a few reasons why gas prices in Texas have climbed over the past year.

For starters, supply and demand is number one on the charts. With pandemic restrictions easing, Americans are driving more. Domestic supply interruptions combined with trouble in overseas energy markets mean that getting gas to the pump isn’t as easy—or cheap—as it once was. As a result, drivers pay more to fill up their tanks.

But here’s the thing—Texas is one of the largest oil-producing states in the United States, so why the price hike?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine sparked a massive disruption in supply chains and is one of the main reasons drivers are paying more for gas. The cost of crude oil exceeds $100 a barrel as the EU contemplates imposing possible new sanctions on Russian oil and the prices are rising as the market still reacts to the war.

Although it’s challenging to say how high prices will go, drivers can prepare for the jump by performing recommended maintenance to improve fuel economy and maximize safety.

Lastly, the sheer number of vehicles on Texas roads means high competition. With more than eight million vehicles registered as of 2020, Texas has the second-highest number of cars on the road, with

California

taking the top spot. And if that’s not enough, commute times in Texas are significantly higher than the U.S. national average of 26.4 minutes.

Everything is bigger in Texas—and that includes traffic jams. While Houston may have a good highway network and growing rail and bus system, it can’t keep up with mobility needs. Houston has some of the worst commutes, with more than 90% of commuters driving—as a result, commuters spend an average of 30.7 minutes a day driving, which translates to a whopping 81 hours per year.

Aside from Houston, here are four cities with the worst commute times in Texas:

Fresno

: 37.4minutes average time spent commuting to work; 16% of commuters spend more than an hour commuting per day

Forney

: 38 minutes average time spent commuting to work; 19.1% of commuters spend more than an hour commuting per day

Canyon Lake

: 37.4minutes average time spent commuting to work; 21.5% of commuters spend more than an hour commuting per day

Sienna Plantation: 40.8minutes average time spent commuting to work; 26.1% of commuters spend more than an hour commuting per day

With millions of cars on the road and long commutes, the demand for gas increases—and so do fuel costs.

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How to deal with Texas’s gas prices

Texas’s gas prices may be more appealing than those in California or New York, but they’re still pricey. While you may contemplate tossing in the towel and trading your wheels for walking, there are still ways to make filling up at the pump more affordable.

So what can you do? Maximize your fuel savings and save your budget by implementing simple fuel-saving hacks. Here are some of the best ways to deal with rising gas prices in Texas:

Keep up your maintenance: If you’re paying a small fortune to fill up your car, it can be tempting to skimp on other car costs to save a few bucks—don’t do it. Keep up with your vehicle’s

regular maintenance recommendations

to ensure optimal fuel economy, performance, and longevity.

Stick to the speed limit: If you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, choosing your speed isn’t usually an option, but on the open highway, stick to the speed limit to save fuel—aerodynamic drag tanks fuel economy above 50 mph. Slow down to save.

Keep your tires properly inflated:

Underinflated tires

can reduce fuel economy. But perhaps more importantly, improperly inflated tires can interfere with handling and braking, increase wear, and lead to overheating and a

blowout

Go electric or hybrid: While gas prices in Texas may be higher, you can save on more than just gas by going electric or hybrid. Texas offers a $2,500

electric or hybrid vehicle rebate

, and the

US Federal tax credit

offers up to a $7,500 rebate.

Switch insurance companies: Insurance rates fluctuate just as much as gas prices do. But when you

shop around for a new car insurance policy every six months

, you can feel confident that you’re not overpaying—and with

Jerry

, you can do it in less than 45 seconds from the comfort of your home.

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Save money on car insurance in Texas

With rising gas prices, filling your car in Texas may leave you feeling like a big spender. And with fuel costs draining your bank account, paying for

car insurance

can feel like one expense too many—but there’s a way to fix that:

Jerry

As the #1-rated car insurance app in the App Store, Jerry is your personal insurance shopper that scans through more than 55 top insurers to get you a steal on car insurance. Just download the Jerry app, answer a few questions about your driving history, and Jerry will present you with the most competitive quotes. Once you find the right one, speak with an agent to finalize the details.

In just 45 seconds, you could be on your way to saving more than $800 a year on car insurance.

“I would 11/10 recommend
Jerry
. I was originally quoted $700+ for insurance for my new car, but by using Jerry I got my payments down to $320 a month. They also have a great support team ready to answer any questions!” —Tobias F.