SAN ANTONIO — Gas prices having been rising, and experts say it doesn't look like that trend will stop anytime soon. Right now, the average gas price for the state of Texas is $2.87. That's 22 cents more than the average gas price last month.
We are still three to four months away from the summer driving season, but gas prices are already close to $3 a gallon at some gas stations across south Texas.
"The two main reasons we see higher demand right now, we also see crude oil prices which were up yesterday. They've been fluctuating," said AAA spokesperson Daniel Armbruster.
Higher oil prices are also to blame partially on the violence in the middle East.
"Escalating drone attacks on U.S. troops have raised the threat of a disruption," added GasBuddy spokesperson Patrick DeHaan.
Right now, AAA said the average price of gas in the U.S. is $3.15 for a gallon of regular. Here in Texas as usual we're paying less, at an average of $2.87 a gallon.
In San Antonio, drivers filling up are in the middle of those two, with an average price per gallon at $2.95. DeHaan said prices are creeping up now, but expects that pace to jump higher in a few weeks, and by the summer we could be approaching $4 a gallon in the Alamo City.
"That's when the seasonality really will come into play, when refineries start doing maintenance and when we start to see demand go up and the transition to summer gasoline happens," said DeHaan.
Here are some gas saving tips from GasBuddy. Avoid high speeds because they create more drag. Do not accelerate or break hard for better fuel economy. Keep tires properly inflated according to specifications from your vehicle manufacturer. Keep windows closed and use your A/C sparingly. And use cruise control if possible to maintain a constant speed.
"We also know that 10 to 40% of your, fuel efficiency is lost in town by just quick accelerations. So slowing down really important, making sure that you lighten your load," Armbruster said.
AAA also said service your vehicle regularly as proper maintenance avoids poor fuel economy related to dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels.