As Tropical Storm Alberto approaches, residents in Corpus Christi, Texas, are experiencing a noticeable rise in gas prices. This sudden increase is causing concern among motorists preparing for severe weather.
Surge in Local Gas Prices
On Wednesday, gas prices in Corpus Christi surged to $3.174 per gallon, reflecting an increase of 15.8 cents from the previous week’s price of $3.016. This sharp rise contrasts with Texas’s relatively stable statewide gas prices, which saw only a slight uptick from $3.018 to $3.038 over the same period.
Impact of Tropical Development
Rep. Todd Hunter of District 32 says such price hikes in areas directly affected by tropical developments are not uncommon. He explained that, unlike unexpected natural disasters like tornadoes, hailstorms, or fires, advance notice of storms and hurricanes could lead to anticipatory price changes.
“Tornado pops up, or hail storm pops up, or a fire, you don’t have any notice, but on storms and hurricanes, you got notice,” Hunter said.
Resident’s Concerns about Gas Prices
A resident, who preferred to be anonymous, mentioned that he was topping off his work truck’s tank to prepare for possible severe weather. “They ensured we were fully fueled, just in case we need to venture out,” he explained.
Broader Price Increases
Rep. Hunter noted that gasoline is not the only item experiencing price increases. Other essential items like batteries and flashlights also tend to see price hikes when severe weather is imminent.
“Anytime these storms come, you’re gonna see a high increase,” he said. “It’s not just gasoline, and it’s other things you can get in the stores like batteries and flashlights.”
Protecting Consumers
Hunter emphasized the importance of consumer protection during these times. He urged residents to report any dramatic price increases to their legislative offices, which can escalate the issue to the appropriate state agencies.
“There is reasonableness, but the consumer needs to be protected, the taxpayer needs to be protected, they need to get a hold of the legislative offices so we can get them to report it to the state agency,” he said.
As Tropical Storm Alberto approaches, authorities encourage Corpus Christi residents to stay updated and take essential safety measures. Despite concerns over rising gas prices, comprehending the broader situation and knowing how to safeguard consumer rights can alleviate some of the anxiety of preparing for severe weather.