Houston Gas Prices: Everything You Need To Know
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While Houstonians have access to 1,200 METRO buses and a 22-mile Metrorail system, Houstonia magazine reports that 90 percent of area citizens travel by private vehicle. And these numbers may be even more lopsided as many have eschewed public transportation due to the pandemic. This means one thing: more demand for gasoline. So what’s it like to buy gas in the area, and what about Houston gas prices? Read on as we drill into the details.
Houston: A History of Low Prices at the Pump
The Houston area has long enjoyed some of the lowest fuel prices in the U.S. For instance, the average price for a gallon of gas (among all grades) here at the end of February 2022 is $3.27, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In Los Angeles, that same gallon of gas costs $4.65.
There are numerous reasons why Houston gas prices are lower. Bill Blasdell, a Harris County official commenting in Quora, explains why.
- Most of the gasoline sold in the U.S. is refined in the region. And even much of the unrefined foreign oil enters the country through nearby Port Arthur, Texas City, and Corpus Christi.
- Compared to many other states, Texas has lower gas taxes. The EIA reports that a gallon of gas in Texas is levied at ten cents. In Pennsylvania, by comparison, taxes add almost 59 cents to a gallon.
- In general, Texas is a low-tax state. So a lower cost of business means fewer expenses get passed on to consumers.
Blasdell does point out that Texans use more gasoline thanks to over 80,000 miles of highways (more than any other state) and a fondness for automobiles.
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A Closer Look at Houston Gas Prices
While Houston, and Texas in general, enjoys lower gas prices than many other areas of the country, the region is not immune to price changes. These are typical fluctuations due to changing market conditions like weather, supply issues, and geopolitical factors. Turning to EIA data, here’s a five-year look at average Houston gas prices (among all fuel grades, rounded to the nearest cent).
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Using gasbuddy.com, we reviewed recent gas prices in five Houston zip codes. To keep things simple, we looked only at regular-grade gasoline. Of course, Houston gas prices can fluctuate regularly, so consider this information a summary and not a scientific survey.
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So, what do all these numbers mean? Basically, Houston is seeing the highest gas prices in recent history (ten years, to be exact). According to the EIA, the most recent average (as of this writing, among all gas grades) for a gallon of gas is $3.28. That’s 20 percent higher than last year’s average and an eye-popping 70 percent more than 2020.
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Dealing with Higher Houston Gas Prices
One way to reduce the pain at the pump is to drive less. But given Houston’s car-centric ways, this is not realistic for many car owners. Instead, look at methods to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Maintain the Engine
Maximizing fuel economy begins with ensuring the engine is operating at peak efficiency. These steps include following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Steps like replacing an old fuel filter or swapping out worn spark plugs can stretch the time between fill-ups.
Get Regular Oil and Filter Changes
Ongoing maintenance includes periodic oil and filter changes. Not only does this task prolong engine life, but a smoother-running powerplant operates more efficiently. Again, follow the manufacturer’s guidance for when to change the oil and what type of lubrication to use. Keep in mind that the high temperatures of a Houston summer can foster oil breakdown.
Check Tire Pressure
Properly inflated tires last longer, help a car stop and handle better, and enhance gas mileage. Check the owner’s manual or the label on the driver’s door jamb to determine the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. If your car doesn’t have an automatic system, get in the habit of checking tire pressure at least monthly.
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Tighten the Fuel Cap
It’s a simple thing, but a loose gas cap allows oxygen to enter the fuel tank. The extra air lowers the pressure in the system and makes the engine work harder to operate (in other words, it sucks more gas). Many modern cars will have a sensor that identifies a loose or ill-fitting gas cap. Otherwise, tighten things after each fill-up.
Reduce Idling
Sitting in an idling car with the air conditioner blasting is nothing unusual in Houston, especially during summer. But, the U.S. Department of Energy reports an idling passenger car consumes almost half a gallon of gas per hour. For more extended periods of sitting in the car, try turning off the engine and opening the windows. Even 10-15 minutes without the car running will make a difference.
Slow Down
70 mph (or higher) may be the typical speed on many Texas roadways, but cars were engineered for maximum highway mileage at 60-65 mph. So, there’s a direct correlation between a heavier right foot and an emptier fuel tank.
Change Driving Habits
Jack-rabbit starts from a stoplight may offer a moment of exhilaration, but such actions only consume more fuel. Instead, try a gentle and measured departure from a stop. Similarly, some deceleration situations may only require coasting. So, rather than coming to a complete halt (which then requires fuel-sucking acceleration), see if just slowing down does the trick.
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