Texas Gas Prices Hit September Record in 2026
Operators in logistics and field services face sustained margin pressure as fuel costs rose $1.20 per gallon year-over-year.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Texas reached its most expensive September for regular unleaded gasoline in 2026, with a statewide average of $3.94 per gallon. This record surge reflects an increase of $1.20 per gallon compared to the same period in 2025, affecting operating costs across the state.
Why it matters
The price spikes are driven by elevated crude oil costs linked to instability near the Strait of Hormuz, forcing businesses to manage significant fuel-related overhead. These higher inputs remain a constant factor in planning logistics and fleet operations for Texas-based firms.
Texas gasoline prices averaged $3.94 per gallon in September 2026, exceeding the previous record of $3.63 set in 2012. While local prices vary, including $4.34 in El Paso and $3.74 in McAllen, the state average remains $0.47 below the national average of $4.41.
The players
Strait of Hormuz
A global shipping chokepoint whose regional instability currently dictates crude oil supply and pricing dynamics.
The details
Operating margins remain sensitive to global energy volatility as fuel costs rose $1.20 per gallon over the last twelve months. While prices saw a marginal decline of $0.02 in the final week of September, overall costs continue to strain budgets. Future price stability may depend on crude oil reaching the $90-per-barrel range, a threshold that could eventually provide relief to commercial transit and transport operators.
Timeline
2012 saw the previous September gasoline price record of $3.63 per gallon.
September 2026 marked the most expensive month on record for Texas fuel.
The final week of September 2026 recorded a two-cent decrease in average prices.
Market Landscape
The current fuel pricing environment has officially eclipsed the prior 2012 record, underscoring the severity of the year-over-year cost increases. This trend follows a pattern where regional fuel costs in Texas are heavily indexed to global geopolitical instability, specifically supply risks near the Strait of Hormuz.
Operators should review fuel surcharges and fleet utilization efficiency, as costs remain $1.20 higher than last year. Adjusting logistics budgets to account for prolonged volatility near global supply hubs is essential for maintaining liquidity through the coming quarter.
The takeaway
The record-setting fuel prices this September serve as a reminder to hedge against energy volatility in procurement contracts. Monitor crude oil benchmarks and crude futures in the $90-per-barrel range as a potential signal for when to recalibrate transport budgets.
Further reading
For broader trends impacting energy costs, see our Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSA.
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