Gasoline prices in Texas have recently increased due to a combination of seasonal factors and geopolitical developments.

Seasonal Factors:

• Transition to Summer-Blend Gasoline: Refineries are shifting to produce summer-blend gasoline, which is formulated to reduce evaporation during warmer months. This blend is more expensive to produce, leading to higher prices at the pump. 

• Refinery Maintenance: Spring is a typical period for refinery maintenance, which can temporarily reduce gasoline production and contribute to price increases. 

Geopolitical Developments:

• Implementation of Energy Tariffs: The U.S. administration has imposed a 10% tariff on energy imports from Canada and Mexico as of early March 2025. Given that the U.S. imports significant amounts of crude oil from these countries, these tariffs can lead to increased costs for refiners, which may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher gasoline prices. 

t’s important to note that while these factors are currently influencing gasoline prices, the energy market is dynamic. Future developments, such as changes in crude oil production levels by major producers like OPEC+ or adjustments to trade policies, could further impact prices.