DALLAS-FORT WORTH, Texas — Gas prices in North Texas have surged in the past week, with many stations now charging well over $3 per gallon for regular unleaded.
According to AAA Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth average hit $3.19 per gallon on Monday morning, up from $2.62 the previous week. By Monday night, some stations in Dallas reported prices as high as $3.49, bringing the county-wide average to $3.36.
Local commuters like Lateatra Wayne of Mansfield have noticed the jump firsthand. “Prices are becoming ridiculously high,” Wayne said. “I’m rolling with it for right now, but there’s definitely a concern there that it may increase.”
Experts link the increase to rising crude oil prices and global instability following the ongoing conflict in Iran. Crude oil recently spiked to $118 per barrel before settling just below $100, among the highest levels since the pandemic.
“Once they start hitting, like, California prices, like, $5 or $6 — yeah, it’s just going to work at home,” said driver Sherrod Burrell.
The risk to the region, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil, is driving prices higher, which could affect not just gasoline, but any goods relying on fuel for transport, from airline tickets to groceries.
Todd Staples of the Texas Oil & Gas Association said, “Instability is not good for anyone. Our industry needs certainty so that we can do long-term planning… We hope the aggression that we’ve seen in Iran and neighboring Gulf states is short-lived.”
Despite the increase, current prices remain below the North Texas record of $4.84 per gallon set in June 2022, months after Russia invaded Ukraine.
AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster advised drivers that short-term travel is still feasible, but encouraged fuel-saving measures: “Simple things like driving smoothly, keeping your vehicle well-maintained, and planning your trips can help stretch a tank of gas.”
With Spring Break travel underway, drivers are hoping prices do not climb further. “It’s outrageous. I don’t believe this should be happening,” said Dallas driver Bobby Sifuentez.
The situation remains fluid as international events continue to influence fuel costs nationwide.
