Austin Gas Prices Dip Slightly, But Remain High This Week

Drivers in the Austin-San Marcos area can expect to pay around $3.83 per gallon, an 11-cent drop from last week.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to represent the changing trends of gas prices in the Austin, Texas area.Fluctuating gas prices in Austin reflect the broader economic forces shaping the local and national energy markets.Austin Today

Gas prices in the Austin-San Marcos area have dipped slightly this week, with drivers expected to pay around $3.83 per gallon for regular unleaded. However, prices remain high, having increased 40 cents over the past month and over a dollar compared to this time last year. The cost of diesel in the Austin metro area also hit a four-year high last week, reaching an average of $5.43 per gallon.

Why it matters

Rising gas and diesel prices have a significant impact on the local economy, affecting both consumers and businesses. While Texas leads the nation in oil and gas production, the state's drivers do not necessarily benefit from lower prices at the pump, as much of the crude oil produced is exported rather than staying in the state.

The details

According to AAA, the average gas price in Texas on Wednesday was $3.77 per gallon, lower than the national average of $4.11. However, drivers in the Austin-San Marcos area can expect to pay around $3.83 per gallon, an 11-cent drop from the previous week. The cost of diesel in the Austin metro area also reached a four-year high of $5.43 per gallon last week, though still below the current national average of $5.64.

  • On April 9, diesel prices in the Austin metro area climbed to an average of $5.43 per gallon, the highest since 2022.
  • Over the past month, gas prices in Central Texas have increased by 40 cents.
  • Compared to this time last year, gas prices in the Austin area have increased by more than a dollar.

The players

AAA

The motor club organization that tracks and reports on gas prices across the United States.

Daniel Armbruster

A spokesperson for AAA who provided commentary on the factors affecting gas prices in Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When you look at the Strait of Hormuz, that's a major artery for shipping oil. With a shipping lane like that, even the threat to supply can increase crude oil prices.”

— Daniel Armbruster, AAA Spokesperson

“One thing to consider is that the United States exports a lot of the crude oil that is drilled here. That oil doesn't necessarily stay in Texas just because it's drilled here.”

— Daniel Armbruster, AAA Spokesperson

The takeaway

The fluctuations in gas and diesel prices in the Austin area reflect the broader economic factors at play, including global tensions and the export of domestically produced crude oil. While Texas is a major oil and gas producer, this does not automatically translate to lower prices for local drivers, highlighting the complex nature of the energy market.