ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico drivers paid record-high gasoline prices during September, according to AAA New Mexico, which says the state experienced its most expensive September on record for regular unleaded fuel.
The statewide average for regular gasoline currently stands at $4.42 per gallon, according to AAA. While that’s 11 cents lower than a week ago, it remains $1.45 higher than the same time last year.
AAA reports that New Mexico’s average gas price for September reached $4.33 per gallon, surpassing the previous September record of $3.81 per gallon set in 2023.
The organization attributes the increase to higher crude oil prices and continued volatility in energy markets throughout much of the month.
Despite the record-setting September, AAA noted that the monthly average remains below New Mexico’s all-time statewide gasoline record of $4.83 per gallon, which was set in June 2022.
Among New Mexico’s major metropolitan areas, Farmington recorded the highest average price at $4.78 per gallon, while Las Cruces had the lowest average at $4.39 per gallon.
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline is $4.41 per gallon, slightly below New Mexico’s statewide average.
AAA says crude oil prices have recently retreated into the $90-per-barrel range, which could provide some relief to motorists in the weeks ahead. However, fuel prices remain unusually high for early fall.
