Gas prices continue to fall across New Mexico, offering welcome relief to drivers after years of volatility at the pump. According to the latest data from AAA, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in New Mexico now sits at $2.61, well below the national average of $2.83 and significantly lower than prices seen just one year ago.
AAA data show that some rural counties are now enjoying some of the lowest gas prices not only in the state, but in the region. San Miguel County currently has the lowest average price in New Mexico at $2.23 per gallon, followed closely by Curry County at $2.38. Union County is reporting an average of $2.35, while Otero County and Rio Arriba County are both at $2.40. For many residents in these areas—where long commutes are often unavoidable—lower fuel costs provide meaningful monthly savings.
In contrast, other parts of the state continue to see much higher prices. Harding County currently has the highest average at $3.71 per gallon, more than a dollar above the statewide average. Lincoln County follows at $3.01, while Catron County averages $2.99, Grant County $2.91, Cibola County $2.89, and Quay County $2.82. These disparities highlight the uneven impact of fuel pricing across New Mexico, often driven by transportation costs, supply access, and limited competition in rural markets.
Prices in New Mexico’s larger metro areas fall somewhere in the middle. Santa Fe County and Sandoval County (Rio Rancho) both report an average of $2.41 per gallon, while Bernalillo County (Albuquerque) averages $2.53. Doña Ana County (Las Cruces) is slightly higher at $2.64, but still below the national average.
The current prices mark a sharp decline compared to recent history. One year ago, New Mexico’s average gas price stood at $2.85, meaning prices have fallen by roughly 24 cents per gallon over the past 12 months. The contrast is even more striking when compared to the state’s highest recorded average of $4.83 per gallon on June 15, 2022, during the administration of Joe Biden, when inflation and energy market disruptions hit drivers hard nationwide.
Supporters of current economic policies point to the dramatic decline as evidence of a stronger energy outlook under the booming economy driven by President Donald Trump.
Increased domestic energy production, a more favorable regulatory climate, and stabilizing global markets have all been cited as contributing factors to easing prices at the pump. While energy markets remain complex and influenced by global events, New Mexico motorists are clearly seeing tangible relief.
Lower gas prices are especially significant in a large, rural state like New Mexico, where residents often travel long distances for work, healthcare, and basic services. With fuel costs down both year-over-year and well below national levels, drivers across much of the state are finally catching a break—at least for now.
As always, AAA cautions that gas prices can fluctuate rapidly based on supply, demand, and geopolitical conditions. Still, for New Mexico families watching their budgets closely, today’s numbers represent a notable improvement from the highs of recent years and a reminder of how quickly energy costs can change.