The Great Texas Gas Caper: How Much Did We REALLY Pay in 2023?
Ah, Texas. Land of wide-open spaces, ten-gallon hats, and...gas prices that can make your wallet do a two-step. But fear not, fellow drivers, for we're about to take a hilarious hot mess time machine trip back to 2023 and unearth the truth about that precious pump juice.
The Pre-Pump Panic: A Rollercoaster Ride
Remember those good ol' days of, well, not-so-good gas prices? We're talking early 2023, when a fill-up felt like a visit to the casino – high stakes, sweaty palms, and the constant question: "Will I make it to the next station without selling my boots?"
Prices seesawed wilder than a bucking bronco at a rodeo. One week, you'd be cheering over a sub-$3 gallon, the next, contemplating a horse-drawn carriage for your commute. It was enough to make you question the whole "everything's bigger in Texas" thing – except maybe the gas station margins!
December Deals: A Holiday Miracle (or Just a Market Correction?)
Then came December 2023, a gift from the gas gods themselves. Prices dipped lower than a limbo dancer at a polka competition. We're talking a statewide average of $2.57 per gallon for regular unleaded!** Did somebody say "holiday miracle"? More like a market correction, but hey, we weren't complaining! Suddenly, that road trip to Marfa to see the mysterious Marfa Lights seemed a lot more affordable.
City Slickers vs. Country Comfort: Where Did You Pay the Most?
Now, Texas is a big state, and gas prices ain't exactly uniform. City slickers in Dallas and Fort Worth got lucky with a cool $2.49 per gallon, while those out in Bryan/College Station (who knows, maybe they have a thirst for premium dinosaur juice?) coughed up a slightly steeper $2.77. Fear not, rural Texans! Sherman/Denison took the crown for the cheapest gas at a sweet $2.44 per gallon. See, even in Texas, location, location, location!
The Final Frontier: So, How Much Did We REALLY Pay?
The answer, my friends, is it depends. But fear not, because in the grand scheme of the gas price galaxy, 2023 wasn't all that bad for Texas. We dodged the worst of the national price spikes and even enjoyed a delightful December dip. Here's to hoping 2024 continues the trend (fingers crossed, toes wiggling).
Remember, folks, gas prices may fluctuate, but our Texan spirit never will. So crank up the tunes, keep your boots dusty, and hit the open road – responsibly, of course!
