While gas prices continue to rise amid the Iran war, Texas is among the states with the lowest prices for a gallon of regular fuel, according to AAA.
The price for a gallon of gas in Texas is $4.092 as of Thursday, May 21, according to AAA, which is well below the national average of $4.564. By comparison, some of the highest prices across the nation are in nearby states, like Arizona ($4.817), Nevada ($5.273) and California ($6.143). New Mexico is also paying more for gas on average at $4.501 a gallon.
Some of the states paying the lowest prices include Mississippi ($4.017), Louisiana ($4.057), and Oklahoma ($4.098).
Where Does Texas Get Its Gasoline?
Texas is the top crude oil and natural gas-producing state in the nation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In 2024, Texas accounted for 43% of the nation’s crude oil production.
Texas also has the most petroleum refineries and the most refining capacity in the nation.
The state’s 35 refineries can process about 6.3 million barrels of crude oil per calendar day, which is about one-third of the nation’s total refining capacity, according to the EIA.
Why Gasoline Prices May Be Higher in Other States
Gasoline prices vary over time and among states and regions, according to the EIA. In addition to differences in state and local taxes, other factors contribute to regional differences in gasoline prices, including distance from supply, supply disruptions, retail competition, and operating costs.
Retail gasoline prices tend to be higher the further gasoline must be transported to the point of sale because transportation costs are higher.
Gas Prices in California
Several factors contribute to California’s high gas prices, including state taxes and fees, environmental requirements, special fuel requirements, and isolated petroleum markets, according to EIA.
California also mandates a special blend of gasoline designed to reduce pollution and improve air quality.
Most of the gasoline consumed in California is refined within the state due to lack of petroleum infrastructure connections, the EIA notes.
California is geographically isolated from other U.S. refining centers because no pipelines supply California from across the Rocky Mountains. Of the refineries outside of California with physical access to the state’s gasoline markets, only a few can meet California’s stringent fuel blending requirements.
Finding the Cheapest Gas Near You
You can find the cheapest gas in your area using the GasBuddy website or app.
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Read the full article here
