Average N.M. gas price up 42 cents from last year

The statewide gas price average in New Mexico was $2.48 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA New Mexico Weekend Gas Watch. That price was 42 cents more per gallon than last year.

Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in New Mexico, drivers in Farmington are paying the most on average at $2.58 per gallon, while drivers in Albuquerque are paying the least at $2.44 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.49, which is 3 cents less than last week and 34 cents more than the price per gallon on this day last year.

When it comes to New Mexico, most markets across the state saw average gas prices decrease. While AAA does expect gas prices to decline between now and the end of the year, motorists will still pay the highest November and December gas prices since 2014.

“Year-end pump prices are anticipated to be the most expensive since 2014, said Daniel Armbruster, AAA New Mexico senior public affairs specialist. “While prices are trending down across New Mexico, the statewide average is 42 cents higher than it was one year ago. Drivers can download the AAA mobile app for free to find the cheapest gas near them.”

Motorists can expect gas prices to trend cheaper the first few months of 2018, with potential to see the national gas price average in the $2.25-$2.35 range by February.