EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The increase comes after an expensive September for Texas drivers.<\/p>\n
AAA Texas reported that September 2026 was the most expensive September on record in Texas for regular gasoline.<\/p>\n
El Paso had the highest average among the major Texas metropolitan areas surveyed, at $4.34 per gallon during the month.<\/p>\n
For some El Paso drivers, higher prices are changing how often they get behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
Alejandro Diaz said the cost of filling his vehicle has increased significantly compared with when he first purchased it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Diaz said he is driving less, staying closer to home, and looking for ways to avoid unnecessary trips.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other drivers are also making changes to their driving habits.<\/p>\n
Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso gas prices near $4.50 a gallon, as drivers look for ways to cut costs (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: UTEP student turns to scooters, carpools as El Paso gas averages $4.42 a gallon<\/a><\/p>\n Anna Shirsat said filling her vehicle now costs substantially more than it did last year.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Shirsat said she is considering shorter routes and cutting back on longer trips as gas prices rise.<\/p>\n For families and workers who depend on their vehicles, those additional costs can put pressure on household budgets.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’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.\u201d<\/p>\n Some drivers are also considering alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles.<\/p>\n Shirsat said she would consider an electric vehicle if more public charging stations were available.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m thinking about getting an electric car if the city will put more stations accessible for the public.\u201d<\/p>\n AAA says gasoline prices remain elevated nationally as well.<\/p>\n The national average was about $4.37 per gallon on October 7, while the Texas average was about $3.89. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: El Paso doctor accused of indecent assault of patient at UMC, affidavit say<\/a><\/p>\n