Fuel prices expected to rise in East Texas

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — With fuel prices on the rise, some East Texans are left wondering how to find gas for the lowest prices. There are a few resources available that will assist drivers in paying less at the pump.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Texas is $3.72, which is $0.44 more than one week ago. The current national average is $4.06.

Experts said this is just the beginning for increasing prices at the pump.

“The situation is only going to get worse, at least in the short run,” said Dr. Harold Doty, a management professor at The University of Texas at Tyler.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is partially to blame for these high prices.

AAA reported that the gas average in Texas a year ago was $2.38. Now, it’s $3.72.

As bad as the prices are here in East Texas, the national average is more than four dollars. These costs are frustrating drivers everywhere.

“My car before I could fill up about $20. Now, it’s $50, $55. It’s gone up a lot,” said Melinda Payne, a Kilgore resident.

Some experts are expecting fuel to be $4 in East Texas in the near future.

Customers are hoping these gas prices follow trends from years past, and drop after Memorial Day weekend.

Here’s some things you can do to save money:

“Make sure your tires are aired up properly. Think about when you go out to run errands, is there a way to plan my trip to be more efficient (like) carpooling so all things still work,” said Doty.

“It’s gone up a lot, so for my family we are working kind of consolidating where we go to get stuff done. (We) get it all then and not making unnecessary trips. (We’re) not running around for just whatever,” said Payne.

Here are more resources to use when looking for cheaper gas prices: