Here's how long we can expect the rise in gas prices to last

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Monday, February 22, 2021
Texans, prepare for rising gas prices, expert says
Between issues with power and water in the wake of the historic Texas winter storm, one expert now says we should expect a crisis at fueling stations. The video explains why.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Last week's historic winter storm has caused Houston gas prices to rise 11.7 cents, averaging about $2.25 per gallon, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of over 2,500 stations in the area.

"With last week's extreme cold shutting down millions of barrels per day in refinery capacity, gas prices have seen their largest weekly climb in quite some time," said Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

De Haan said price increases should begin to slow later this week or next. While many residents can look forward to this, he also warned not to expect it to last very long.

"However, as we near spring weather, we'll likely see another longer term rise in prices begin as refineries start to transition to summer gasoline, so motorists shouldn't jump for joy just yet," De Haan said.

As of Monday, the most affordable station in Houston is priced at $1.93 per gallon, while the most expensive is priced at $2.77.

It's a nationwide occurrence. Gas prices have risen 10.4 cents per gallon in the last week.

The highest prices ever reached in Houston was in 2013 when it cost $3.64 per gallon.

Here's a list of historical gas prices in Houston and the national average going back 10 years:

  • February 22, 2020: $2.11/g (U.S. Average: $2.48/g)
  • February 22, 2019: $2.09/g (U.S. Average: $2.40/g)
  • February 22, 2018: $2.23/g (U.S. Average: $2.52/g)
  • February 22, 2017: $2.07/g (U.S. Average: $2.28/g)
  • February 22, 2016: $1.48/g (U.S. Average: $1.71/g)
  • February 22, 2015: $2.08/g (U.S. Average: $2.29/g)
  • February 22, 2014: $3.15/g (U.S. Average: $3.39/g)
  • February 22, 2013: $3.64/g (U.S. Average: $3.78/g)
  • February 22, 2012: $3.48/g (U.S. Average: $3.58/g)
  • February 22, 2011: $2.99/g (U.S. Average: $3.16/g)

Here's a list of neighboring areas and their current gas prices:

  • Austin- $2.25/g, up 13.2 cents per gallon from last week's $2.12/g
  • Waco- $2.23/g, up 8.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.15/g
  • College Station- $2.24/g, up 6.2 cents per gallon from last week's $2.18/g

SEE RELATED STORY: Texas prices for lodging, necessities skyrocket amid winter storm, power outages

The video above is from a previous story.