Ahead of Memorial Day, gas is cheaper in Houston

Houston drivers were paying an average of $3.04 per gallon of regular gasoline as of May 1, compared to $4.25 a year ago, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report.

The big picture: Gas prices set all-time highs last year amid a broader inflation crisis, driven in part by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which destabilized global energy markets.

Zoom out: Nationally, gas prices are rising slightly compared to previous months — but they're still well below last year's levels as we head into Memorial Day weekend and the travel-heavy summer season.

• The nationwide average price per gallon of regular gasoline has been $3.53 throughout May 2023, compared to $4.60 a year ago.
• Prices are still well above pre- and mid-pandemic levels.
• While gas prices fluctuate from state to state, they tend to follow the same up-and-down trends nationwide.

What they're saying: "Despite mild weather and a less volatile economic forecast, drivers are not hitting the road and raising gasoline demand to traditional seasonal levels," said AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross in a statement.

Yes, but: AAA and others are predicting near-record travel this summer, which could spike demand — and thus lead to higher prices — in the warmer months.

• "It's possible this is merely the lull before Memorial Day, but it could be a trend that lingers into summer," Gross said.

Between the lines: The Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver last month allowing the summertime sale of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol in a bid to suppress prices.

• So-called E15 gas is typically avoided in summer due to smog concerns.

The bottom line: People love cheap(er) gas — but higher prices can have the long-term benefit of driving consumers to more efficient and cleaner hybrid and electric cars.