HOUSTON – According to experts, it might be a warning sign. The average price of gas in Houston is down 41 cents compared to a year ago.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reports that gas prices are dropping to their lowest levels in years.
So the question remains: Will the national average for gas dip below $3 a gallon?
While saving money at the pump is always welcome, why is there pushback against the national average dropping below $3.00 per gallon? It’s been years since we’ve seen prices that low.
“When the economy slows, gasoline demand drops—along with demand for other refined products like diesel and jet fuel. We’ve already seen some signals that the months ahead could be challenging. All of this suggests that gas prices are likely to remain low for now. However, if economic conditions improve, gas prices could eventually follow suit and start rising again,” De Haan explained.
What does this mean for Houston?
Right now, gas prices are down, but not all gas stations are priced equally. Yesterday, the lowest price for a gallon of gas was $2.30, while the highest was $3.24. That means filling up at the wrong station could cost you nearly a dollar more—94 cents per gallon, to be exact. I think we can all agree that’s a pain at the pump.
You can check local prices before heading out here: USA and Local National Gas Station Price Heat Map - GasBuddy.com
Gas prices over the past 10 years
Gas prices in Houston have fluctuated significantly, with a $2.12 per gallon difference over the past decade. The highest recorded price was $3.93 in 2022, while the lowest was $1.81 in 2016.
Taking a road trip?
If you’re driving across Texas, where you fill up could save you money—or break the bank. Gas prices vary by as much as $2.16 per gallon across the state.
How to save money at the pump?
While we can’t control gas prices, here are some simple ways to cut costs:
✅ Check Prices Before You Go: GasBuddy offers an interactive map to find the lowest prices near you: GasBuddy.com
✅ Fill Up in the Morning or at Night: Gas expands in heat, meaning you’ll get slightly more fuel per dollar when filling up in cooler temperatures.
✅ Maintain Your Car for Better Fuel Efficiency:
- Avoid rapid braking—smooth driving improves fuel efficiency by 15% or more.
- Keep your tires properly inflated to boost fuel economy by 4%.