Gas prices in Houston have been on the rise, but Hurricane Beryl isn’t to blame. Doug Shupe, Corporate Communications Manager with AAA Texas, provided insights into the current situation and offered tips on how to prepare for the remainder of the hurricane season.
This week, the average cost of regular grade gas in Houston is $3.15 per gallon. Just a week ago, it was $3.10, and a month ago, it was $3.00. Many Houstonians wondered if Hurricane Beryl’s impact was responsible for the hike in prices.
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However, Shupe clarified that the increase is primarily due to rising crude oil prices, which have remained above $80 per barrel.
Despite Beryl not being the cause, Shupe emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential future storms. He suggested residents keep their gas tanks full, particularly during hurricane season.
“A lot of people realized they didn’t have as much fuel as they thought when the power went out,” he noted.
Shupe also addressed the recent long lines at gas stations, explaining that the primary issue was the power outages affecting fuel supply distribution.
For those looking to save on gas, Shupe offered several tips:
- Maintain your vehicle, including tire pressure.
- Lighten the load by removing unnecessary items from your car.
- Use a sun visor or park in the shade to reduce AC use.
- Shop around for the cheapest gas prices using apps like AAA.
- Obey the speed limit to conserve fuel.
Houston drivers are still paying significantly less than the national average, with local prices about $0.37 lower than the nationwide rate.
As the hurricane season continues, Shupe advised residents to stay proactive and prepare for potential storms.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when another storm will come,” he said. “Learning from past experiences can help make the situation better for your family and your community.”