Gas prices near $4 in Las Cruces as Easter travel begins
Gas prices in Las Cruces are nearing $4 per gallon ahead of Easter weekend as national averages surge past $4 for the first time since 2022.
AAA reports national average above $4 for first time since 2022 as local drivers see sharp monthly increases
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - Gas prices in Las Cruces are approaching $4 per gallon as drivers head into Easter weekend, reflecting a sharp rise seen across New Mexico and nationwide.
The average price for regular fuel in Las Cruces was $3.996 on Friday, according to AAA, while the average in Doña Ana County reached $4.004.
The increase comes as the national average climbed to $4.09 per gallon this week — the first time it has exceeded $4 since August 2022, according to AAA.
Prices in Las Cruces have jumped nearly $1 over the past month, rising from about $3.03 to just under $4.00. Statewide, the average price in New Mexico rose from $2.955 a month ago to $3.896.
Gas prices in Albuquerque averaged $3.885 per gallon Friday, slightly lower than in Las Cruces, according to AAA.
AAA attributed the surge to rising crude oil prices, which have surpassed $100 per barrel amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the increases, New Mexico’s average remains slightly below the national average.
Local prices vary across Las Cruces, with some of the lowest reported prices around $3.50 to $3.59 per gallon and others approaching $3.99, according to user-reported data from GasBuddy.
Diesel prices are significantly higher, averaging about $5.49 per gallon in Las Cruces.
GasBuddy data reflects prices reported by users and may not capture all stations. Prices were collected at about 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, and may change throughout the day.
Drivers can check current prices at GasBuddy.com or through the GasBuddy mobile app.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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