TYLER, Texas — Across Tyler, the current average price for a gallon of gas is $4.45. Just one week ago, it was 13 cents more expensive.
The price of gas seems to be dropping at just the right time with Independence Day weekend right on the horizon. However, AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster isn't too optimistic.
"Globally, we've seen crude oil prices come down a little. However, in the last 24 hours they've gone back up," Armbruster said. "So, we're not quite out of the woods yet when it comes to gas prices staying higher."
The additional travel during the holiday weekend will likely increase the pressure as well, with record travel numbers set to increase the gasoline demand.
Regardless of current gas prices, 3.1 million Texans are estimated to be traveling 50 miles or more for the holiday weekend. That number would break the all time record for 4th of July weekend travel, beating the previous numbers from 2019.
Following the holiday weekend, the prices could end up climbing once more.
"The holiday travel could end up putting that extra pressure on the gas prices," Armbruster said.
Geopolitical issues have also played a large hand in the state of the prices, and Armbruster said that they will continue to influence prices.
"As long as Russia's war with Ukraine continues, we will continue to see higher gas prices because of the impact it's having on global crude markets," Armbruster said.
At this time, he doesn't see any major relief until at least Labor Day weekend. In the meantime, he said the prices will continue to fluctuate at a higher level.