AAA reports sharp weekly increases across New Mexico, while Middle East conflict and risks around the Strait of Hormuz push crude oil prices higher.

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - Gas prices are climbing across southern New Mexico as Spring Break travel begins, with new data showing both statewide averages and local pump prices rising in recent days.

According to AAA, the average price for regular gasoline in New Mexico reached $3.639 per gallon as of March 13. That is up from $3.480 one day earlier and $3.147 a week ago.

In Las Cruces, the average price was even higher at $3.708 per gallon, while Doña Ana County’s average reached $3.712, according to AAA data.

A sharp weekly jump in New Mexico

The recent increase represents a significant week-over-week jump.

New Mexico gas prices

• Current average: $3.639
• Yesterday: $3.480
• One week ago: $3.147
• One month ago: $2.697
• One year ago: $2.882

That means the statewide average has climbed nearly 50 cents in the past week.

Las Cruces averages remain higher than the state

Drivers in Las Cruces are paying slightly more than the statewide average.

AAA reports the Las Cruces average at $3.708, compared with $3.639 statewide and $3.598 nationally.

Doña Ana County’s average price for regular gasoline reached $3.712 per gallon.

Why prices are rising

AAA says the increase is being driven largely by seasonal demand as Spring Break travel begins nationwide.

Gasoline demand rose significantly in the past week. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows demand increasing from 8.29 million barrels per day to 9.24 million barrels per day.

At the same time, crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel in recent days, which typically pushes gasoline prices higher.

Oil markets are reacting to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Energy analysts note that instability in the region can affect global oil prices because a large share of the world’s petroleum supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

Any disruption — or even the threat of disruption — to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz can send crude oil prices higher, which eventually filters down to prices at the pump

Local travel demand may also play a role in the coming week. Las Cruces Public Schools, Doña Ana Community College and New Mexico State University are all scheduled for Spring Break next week, which could increase local travel.

What drivers are paying at the pump

While averages provide a statewide snapshot, real-time prices at individual stations can vary widely.

GasBuddy listings for the Las Cruces area showed regular gasoline ranging from about $3.29 per gallon at the lowest-priced stations to about $3.99 at others as of early Friday afternoon.

Several stations around the area were reporting prices near $3.29, including locations near North Motel Boulevard and El Paseo Road.

Other stations in Las Cruces were listing prices between $3.39 and $3.55, while some locations were charging $3.89 to $3.99 per gallon.

A wide price spread across the city

The difference between the lowest and highest reported prices in the Las Cruces area was roughly 70 cents per gallon, highlighting how much prices can vary between stations.

That kind of spread is common during periods of rapid price changes, when some stations adjust prices faster than others.

Prices can change quickly

This data was pulled from GasBuddy at 1:30 p.m. on March 13. Prices can change frequently, so it’s important to check the GasBuddy website or mobile app for the latest pricing information.

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.