The price isn’t right – gas prices hit $5/gallon in San Juan County
“This is not a new problem for us,” said San Juan Board of Commissioners Chairman Pro-Tem Sandra Lanier. “This has been ongoing, and in an economy where it’s already tough, the gas prices affect everybody.”
SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. —
Gas prices have been a problem in San Juan County. Now, the problem is getting worse.
Prices have normally been higher in that area compared to other areas of New Mexico, but on Tuesday, gas prices reached $4.99/gallon for regular unleaded gas, and nearly $6.50/gallon for diesel fuel.
“This is not a new problem for us,” said San Juan Board of Commissioners Chairman Pro-Tem Sandra Lanier. “This has been ongoing, and in an economy where it’s already tough, the gas prices affect everybody.”
Lanier says she sent a letter to the New Mexico Department of Justice back in July, after noticing that gas was nearly one dollar cheaper per gallon in Gallup, during a recent trip.
A spokesperson for NMDOJ says the Department responded to Lanier’s letter August 31, saying in part: “We understand the impact this issue has on residents, businesses, and daily operations within your county. Please be assured that we have been monitoring the situation and are currently reviewing gas pricing in San Juan County to determine potential causes.”
San Juan County’s proximity to Durango does not appear to be a factor. Right now, gas prices in the county are nearly 40 cents higher per gallon than in Durango.
“For me personally, when I’m traveling outside of the county, I will leave the county with 200 miles in my tank and I’ll fill up some place cheaper,” Lanier said. “I can’t afford those high gas prices, and nor should anyone else be trying to.”
