EIA’s Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update (released September 22, 2026) put U.S. regular gasoline at $4.478 for the week ending September 21—up 15.9 cents from the prior week. Texas regular averaged $3.929; Houston printed $3.863. U.S. diesel hit $6.529.
Those are national and state pump averages, not your personal approval result. They do change what a “comfortable” payment feels like after gas, insurance, and groceries.
TX Auto Approval helps Texas shoppers prepare for and pursue pre-approval conversations. Soft next step: start on the homepage. Do not treat any article as a guarantee of approval, a rate quote, or a named lender list—we do not invent lenders, rates, or instant-approval claims.
When fuel is rising, a useful prep checklist is simple:
EIA’s weekly is a market snapshot. Your application turns on credit mix, income stability, down payment, and the vehicle. Rising pump prices are a reason to be honest about payment headroom—not a reason to chase the longest term that barely clears.
Takeaway: With Texas regular near $3.93 on EIA’s September 21 week, prep your budget and documents before the pre-approval talk so the conversation matches real monthly costs.