Millions Of Texans Fume Over Pump Surge As ‘California Gas Prices’ Invade America’s Oil Capital

In one of the steepest single-week price jumps in recent memory, Texas gas prices skyrocketed more than 50 cents per gallon in just seven days, reaching a statewide average of $3.13 as of March 9, 2026, according to GasBuddy’s survey of thousands of stations across Texas. That number has since climbed further, reaching $3.29 by March 13. Just one month ago, Texans were paying around $2.65 per gallon, a stark contrast that has left millions of drivers reeling at the pump.

Iran Strike Triggers Global Energy Shock

The price shock traces directly to U.S. and Israeli air strikes launched against Iran on February 28, 2026, which destabilized global oil markets almost immediately. The conflict triggered an unprecedented risk premium on crude oil, sending benchmark prices soaring well beyond levels not seen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The situation escalated rapidly over the following days as additional attacks across the Middle East compounded supply fears, forcing fuel markets to reprice around the threat of prolonged disruption to global oil flows.

GasBuddy Analyst Warns of Rapid Market Recalibration

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, issued one of the starkest warnings of the crisis. De Haan warned that “gasoline prices have surged at one of the fastest rates in years” following U.S. strikes on Iran and disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, adding that fuel markets are now rapidly recalibrating to the risk of prolonged disruption to global supply flows. De Haan cautioned that consumers should not expect immediate relief at the pump.

Strait of Hormuz: 20% of World’s Oil at Risk

Central to the price spike is the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical Persian Gulf shipping chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply normally flows. Fear of Iranian retaliatory attacks has effectively halted tanker traffic through the corridor, squeezing global supply at a time when U.S. refineries are simultaneously undergoing their annual transition from winter-blend to more expensive summer-blend gasoline, a seasonal switch that independently adds upward pressure to retail prices.

Texas City-by-City Price Breakdown

Price variation across Texas has been significant, with some regions hit harder than others. According to AAA and GasBuddy data as of mid-March 2026, El Paso leads the state at $3.69 per gallon, followed by Odessa at $3.50 per gallon, both reflecting continued gains since early March. San Antonio came in at $3.22 per gallon, up approximately 53 cents compared to one month ago, while Austin matched at $3.21 per gallon, up 53 cents over the same period. Beaumont-Port Arthur remained among the most affordable markets in the state, closer to $3.00 per gallon.

San Antonio Drivers Feel the Sting

San Antonio drivers have not been spared, with the average price for regular unleaded climbing to $3.22 per gallon, a jump of approximately 53 cents compared to one month ago, according to AAA data. Premium fuel crossed the $4.00 threshold, reaching $4.07 per gallon. One year ago, San Antonio drivers paid just $2.64 per gallon, meaning the current price represents an increase of roughly 53 cents year-over-year, a gap that equates to roughly $10 more per fill-up for an average-sized fuel tank.

Texas Still Cheaper Than National Average

Despite the jarring increase, Texas drivers remain comparatively insulated from the worst of the national surge. As of March 13, the national average stood at $3.63 per gallon, roughly 34 cents higher than Texas’s statewide average. AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster explained the structural advantage: “Crude oil prices are rising amid geopolitical tensions overseas, and that is putting upward pressure on gas prices,” he said, noting that Texas’s proximity to Gulf Coast oil refineries keeps local transportation and distribution costs lower than most states.

‘Could Be Worse Than 2022,’ Expert Warns

Energy economists are warning against assuming the worst is over. Thomas Weinandy, principal research economist at retail technology platform Upside, drew a sobering historical comparison. “The biggest question I’ve been getting is, ‘Is this going to be like the summer of 2022?’ when oil jumped to $128 per barrel following the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Weinandy said. “It could be worse. In raw numbers, there’s more oil at risk.” Analysts note that summer travel season, which typically drives higher fuel demand, is still weeks away.

Sources:
“State Gas Price Averages, Texas Metro Data.” AAA Gas Prices, March 13, 2026.
“Texas Gas Prices Top $3 Statewide as Iran War Drives Historic Spike.” GasBuddy / Fox4 News, March 8, 2026.
“Iran War Will Benefit Texas Oil Companies, Hike Gas Prices.” Texas Tribune, March 11, 2026.
“Oil Stays Above $100 a Barrel Amid Iran’s Stranglehold on Strait of Hormuz.” Al Jazeera, March 13, 2026.
“Three More Ships Struck in the Gulf as Iran Warns of Oil Hitting $200.” CNBC, March 12, 2026.