AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Pain at the pump continues to reach new levels, with Austin-area drivers seeing the price for a gallon of regular unleaded rise by a quarter in just the past week.
According to data from AAA Texas, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in the Austin-San Marcos metro area is $4.57 as of Thursday morning. That's up 25 cents since last week, and up 56 cents in the past month.
This time last year, drivers were paying an average of $2.68 a gallon.
Drivers are feeling the pain across the state as well, with the statewide Texas average rising 28 cents in a week to $4.62 a gallon. A month ago, drivers were paying $3.99 a gallon, and $2.73 this time last year.
El Paso continues to see some of the state's highest gas prices, with drivers paying an average of $4.88 a gallon, while Lubbock boasts the state's lowest average at $4.40 a gallon.
Nationwide, the average is on the verge of hitting the $5 mark for the first time ever. Thursday morning, drivers across the country were paying an average of $4.97 a gallon, up nearly three cents in just one day and 26 cents in the past week.
Analysts say higher fuel prices are thanks to soaring demand, along with continued concerns regarding tighter oil supplies due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“With the national average almost at $5 a gallon, and the statewide average reaching a new record, drivers can expect to see higher prices for the next few weeks – if not months – as Russian oil is off the market for many countries due to its war in Ukraine,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. "The best way to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy is to practice safe driving habits and adhere to your automobile’s recommended maintenance schedule."