Charted: Pain at the pump

A gallon of gas now costs on average over $4 in Texas — about 20 cents more expensive than a week ago, per AAA.

Why it matters: Spiking gas prices are straining paychecks, even if fuel is a relatively small part of the average person's spending.

• Gas prices have gone up about 30 cents since mid-April, adding to the feeling for most Americans that their financial situation is worse than ever.

Zoom in: Inflation is ticking back up in Dallas-Fort Worth, largely driven by energy costs.

• The Consumer Price Index through March was up 3% year over year, according to the latest figures.
• Energy prices were up nearly 12% year over year, including a nearly 20% increase in the price of gas.

By the numbers: A gallon of regular gas cost an average of $4.04 yesterday in Texas. A year ago, it was $2.76, per AAA.

• The average in Dallas-Fort Worth hovered right at $4 as of Wednesday.

Yes, but: Gas prices peaked in June 2022, when high inflation had driven up prices of all goods.

• In Texas, the highest recorded average price of a gallon of regular gas was $4.69 on June 15, 2022.

The bottom line: It could be worse.