El Paso gas prices near $4.50 a gallon, as drivers look for ways to cut costs

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The cost of filling up is continuing to put pressure on El Paso drivers, with the average price of regular gasoline approaching $4.50 per gallon.

According to AAA, the average price for regular gasoline in the El Paso area was $4.4997 per gallon on October 7. That’s an increase of nearly 10 cents from the previous day, when the average was $4.4039.

Prices are also higher than they were a week and a month ago. AAA reported an average of $4.3709 per gallon a week earlier and $3.9042 a month earlier.

The increase comes after an expensive September for Texas drivers.

AAA Texas reported that September 2026 was the most expensive September on record in Texas for regular gasoline.

El Paso had the highest average among the major Texas metropolitan areas surveyed, at $4.34 per gallon during the month.

For some El Paso drivers, higher prices are changing how often they get behind the wheel.

Alejandro Diaz said the cost of filling his vehicle has increased significantly compared with when he first purchased it.

“I remember getting this car was only $22 for 10 gallons. Now I just paid $50 for a full tank, and this one’s a cheap one too.”

Diaz said he is driving less, staying closer to home, and looking for ways to avoid unnecessary trips.

“Instead of just wasting it on gas, I’ll just rather do something at home. That’s literally a quarter of what I make a week.”

Other drivers are also making changes to their driving habits.

Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso gas prices near $4.50 a gallon, as drivers look for ways to cut costs (Credit: KFOX14)

Anna Shirsat said filling her vehicle now costs substantially more than it did last year.

“From last year to this year, it’s almost like a $20 difference. We used to fill it up with $40, now it’s closer to $80.”

Shirsat said she is considering shorter routes and cutting back on longer trips as gas prices rise.

For families and workers who depend on their vehicles, those additional costs can put pressure on household budgets.

Trent Hatch said higher fuel prices can make it more difficult for people who need to drive to work, take their children to activities and handle everyday responsibilities.

“It’s certainly a challenge. Challenge for the regular American citizen. It puts a significant strain on families, on individuals. People have to work, have to drive families. They have to take their children to activities or events.”

Some drivers are also considering alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Shirsat said she would consider an electric vehicle if more public charging stations were available.

“I’m thinking about getting an electric car if the city will put more stations accessible for the public.”

AAA says gasoline prices remain elevated nationally as well.

The national average was about $4.37 per gallon on October 7, while the Texas average was about $3.89.

For now, some El Paso drivers say they are responding to higher prices by driving less, shortening trips, and looking for other ways to reduce their transportation costs.

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