News Summary
Gas prices are on the rise, with the national average hitting around $3.17 per gallon, a 9-cent increase from last month. Though prices are lower than last year, the uptick raises concerns. Cities like Abilene have the cheapest gas at $2.54, while Salinas faces staggering prices of $5.17. Factors like tariffs and market volatility are contributing to these changes, with OPEC stepping in to stabilize the situation. Stay informed to save on your next fill-up!
Gas Prices on the Rise: What’s Happening in Your City?
As we soak up the abundant sunshine here in your city, with delightful highs of 81°F and lows dipping to 55°F, there’s another topic seemingly warming up – and that’s gas prices!
Current Trends
As of April 21, 2025, the national average for gas has risen by about 9 cents per gallon since last month, bringing it to roughly $3.17 per gallon. While this increase may seem like a slight jump, it’s important to keep in mind that prices are still down nearly 50 cents compared to this time last year!
Cheap and Expensive Gas Around the Nation
For those looking to fill up their tanks without breaking the bank, Abilene, Texas, currently boasts the cheapest gas prices at just $2.54 per gallon. On the other end of the spectrum, Salinas, California reports the highest prices in the nation at a staggering $5.17 per gallon. Ouch!
Here’s a quick look at some other notable metro-area prices:
- Houston, TX: $2.74 – a drop of $0.04 since last week and down $0.49 from last year.
- College Station, TX: $2.73 – down $0.02 week-over-week and down $0.48 year-over-year.
- Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI: $2.90 – a decline of $0.11 from the previous week and $0.60 from last year.
The Tariff Impact
What’s driving these price changes? You might recall that in early April, President Trump announced a base 10% tariff on all imports into the U.S. While oil and gas imports are exempt from these tariffs, the broader impacts on the economy have led to a ripple effect in the marketplace.
Just a few days later, the White House paused all “reciprocal” tariffs for three months, excluding those against China. Despite this, the stock market dropped by a steep 7% following the tariff announcement, which negatively impacted U.S. oil prices.
As the prices fluctuate, there are worries that the combination of dropping prices and rising costs of essential materials, like steel pipes, could impact domestic oil and gas production significantly.
OPEC’s Response
To combat the volatility in the market, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has announced plans to increase production. Their aim is to help stabilize prices and bring more consistency to the market amid these uncertain times.
What Analysts Are Saying
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan has noted that prices might have already peaked for this year, a trend usually seen around mid-April. It seems that recent overall declines in gas prices were spotted nearly across all states in the U.S., which is promising news for drivers everywhere.
Historical Context
It’s also essential to keep the big picture in mind. For instance, the historical high for gas prices in College Station was a jaw-dropping $4.69 back on June 14, 2022. Year over year, we’ve come a long way, but the fluctuations can still catch everyone by surprise.
As prices continue to shift, it’s always wise to keep an eye on local stations and use apps to find the best deals. Whether you’re cruising around town or planning a road trip, staying informed about these gas prices can help you save a few bucks!
Conclusion
In conclusion, with gas prices still lower than last year, there’s some relief to be found, albeit with a recent uptick. Your city may hold hidden treasures in the form of cheap gas, so be sure to check it out!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Developments in College Station Enhance Community Safety and Support
Gas Leak Causes Traffic Disruption in College Station
Canada and U.S. Engage in Tariff Showdown
Texas Power Play: The Rise of Data Centers and Energy Needs
Texas City Faces Lingering Legal Battles from Winter Storm Uri
Houston’s Economic Landscape: Insights from 2024
Trump’s Tax Agenda Takes Center Stage
New Housing Action Plan Approved in College Station
Gas Prices Dip Slightly in Bryan-College Station Area
Additional Resources
- News Source: Houston
- Wikipedia: Gasoline and Diesel Pricing
- News Source: Milwaukee
- Google Search: Gas Prices Milwaukee
- News Source: Salt Lake City
- Google Scholar: Gasoline Pricing Factors
- News Source: Wichita
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gasoline Pricing
- News Source: St. Louis
- Google News: Gas Prices in St. Louis
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
