Gas Prices Rise in San Angelo as Statewide Average Sees Smaller Increase

Statewide, the average price for regular unleaded gas is $2.80 per gallon, a two-cent increase from last week but still 38 cents lower than this time last year. El Paso drivers are paying the most in the state at $3.01 per gallon, matching San Angelo, while the lowest prices can be found in Wichita Falls and Tyler at $2.70 per gallon.

Nationally, the average price per gallon stands at $3.21, which is two cents higher than last week but 47 cents lower than this time last year.

The sharp rise in prices, especially in San Angelo, is attributed to increased demand caused by Hurricane Milton. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand reached 9.6 million barrels per day last week, the highest level reported this year. With this spike in demand and lower supply levels, prices have increased in various regions of Texas.

"Gas prices increased as demand for fuel reached 2024 highs and supply reached 2024 lows," said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. "This recent change in demand and supply was likely caused by fuel buying in the southeast ahead of Hurricane Milton. Typically, if prices increase due to a hurricane they will usually come back down within a few weeks."