Everything is bigger in Texas. Ironically, the city of El Paso is several Leagues larger than it appears to be at face value. The U.S. Census lists the 2006 estimated population for El Paso, Texas at 609,415, which places the locale firmly within the top-25 largest U.S. cities per these statistical rankings. Certainly, the common American would not describe El Paso as a “Big City,” on par with New York, Chicago, or even, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Of course, the uninitiated must recognize the fact that the El Paso metropolitan area includes Dona Ana – Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Juarez is actually the largest city of the region and claims an estimated population of 1.5 million directly across the Rio Grande from El Paso. The combined total for the international El Paso – Juarez community approaches 2.5 million, which remains within the general vicinity of Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Baltimore, and Denver, in terms of inhabitants.
Logistically, navigating the rough terrain of the U.S. Southwest, alongside the proposal of allocating the proper amounts of resources to meet vaguely defined and oscillating demand, is a difficult mandate to satisfy. In terms of purchasing fuel, these unique characteristics that define the City of El Paso place upward pressure upon buying fuel north of the border.
Today, as of August 31, 2009, El Paso average gas prices calculate out at $2.493. Although this figure undercuts the U.S. Department of Energy’s $2.613 headline figure, El Paso gasoline will always rival Austin for the ignominious designation as the most expensive fare at the energy rich Lone Star State.
Still, the directives of this guide are set to prove that cheap gas is indeed available for El Paso motorists. We will work to analyze the market from opposite ends of the spectrum. The most egregiously priced locations must be exposed prior to highlighting the viable options for purchasing cheap gas at the westernmost corner of Texas.
We do recognize the fact that commodity prices fluctuate wildly from day-to-day and today’s prices quotes will shift with every passing moment. However, the very same demographics that translate into cheap gas at present, will transition into service stations that are “less expensive than the next guy” going foraward.
“Cheap” is a relative term.
Further, Americans must always make the smart call to determine whether hightailing into Mexico for cheap gas actually does create significant value.
Where NOT to Buy Gas in El Paso, Texas
The Franklin Mountains basically divide El Paso into two separate cities that are connected via I.H. 10, U.S. Routes 62 and 85, and Texas State Route 20. Gas prices spike at the most exclusive communities on both sides of town. Although Northwest El Paso is identified with sweeping estates and panoramic mountain vistas, East El Paso has sprouted tony subdivisions of its very own right that carry increased property values.
Importantly, East El Paso is a major focal point for Texas – Mexico traffic into the El Paso International Airport and the enormous Fort Bliss Military Reservation, which is a critical driver for the local economy. Solid property values, in conjunction with heavy traffic patterns, always represent the ultimate equation related to expensive gasoline.
East El Paso drivers must avoid buying gas at the Lee Trevino Drive corridor. Chevron, Fina, Valero, and Circle K all man this sprawling thoroughfare to hawk regular grade 87-octane for $2.58 and $2.59.
The high priced beat goes on and radiates away from Lee Trevino at Trawood and Montwood drives. Chevron proceeds to slap motorists for the $2.59 rate at the corner of George Dieter and Montwood.
Interestingly, East El Paso drivers will note that prices fall at the I.H. 10 junctions towards downtown and along Zaragoza Road, prior to the Joe Battle – Loop 375 outskirts of the city.
Rudy’s and Diamond Shamrock operate at the I.H. 10 exits bordering East El Paso to deliver affordable fare. Rudy’s peddles $2.41 gas at Yarbrough and 10 to undersell the competition. The 10 connections mark the most convenient filling stations from all points El Paso.
Meanwhile, Mesa Street and Westwind Drive (via Shadow Mountain) are death traps for expensive gas. Well-to-do patrons of these wealthy enclaves may not blink twice in regards to the prospects of being gouged at the pump. However, working class individuals will be looking for relief from the hefty fuel costs that are prevalent in Northwest El Paso.
$2.55 – $2.60 is the going rate for gasoline along Redd Road and the aforementioned Westwind – Shadow Mountain – Mesa Street principal routes west of the Franklin Mountains at the moment.
Again, prices will fall at I.H. 10.
Circle K is moving cheap gas for $2.42 at the Redd Road – I.H. 10 junction.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in El Paso, Texas: Should I Drive to Mexico?
Cheap gas is always for sale South of the Border in Mexico. Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) is the State-owned oil company and is subsidized by Mexico City and taxpayer dollars. The Mexican government pegs the price of gasoline according to the price oil and in sympathy with the demands of the working poor. Of course, the economics of said policy are beyond the scope of this work.
Amidst periods of rampant commodity volatility, Mexican gas will be priced at roughly half that of competing stations north of the border. Consequently, Americans have spanned the Rio Grande in Juarez for generations to purchase cheap gas. Of course, these operations are not without their very own pitfalls.
First, Mexico carries less stringent guidelines for refined gasoline and sulfur content. Secondly, Americans are now required to carry passports to re enter the States and must duel with contentious traffic at the all-important El Paso – Ciudad Juarez gateway. Of course, the U.S. – Mexico drug war is centered upon the Juarez community, which is a battle zone for drug cartels, gruesome murder, and unbridled mayhem.
Juarez makes Detroit look like Green Acres.
I would not advise that every day Americans venture into Juarez simply to buy cheap gas and save a few bucks at the point of sale for the above reasons. Although Mexican nationals claim that the bulk of the product is actually refined North of the border – this stuff is cheap for a reason, and you will get what you pay for.
Only U.S. operators with commercial interests and enormous gas tank capacity should dare cross the Rio Grande to buy cheap gas in Ciudad Juarez.
Per El Paso, Texas, gas prices plunge at the I.H. 10 junctions mentioned within the previous section and West Central. West Central El Paso is bordered by 10, the Franklin Mountains, and dominated by The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Circle K and Fina man the Mesa Street – University Avenue intersection beyond UTEP campus to deliver cheap gas for $2.35 and $2.39, respectively.
Happy Trails.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in El Paso, Texas, Sources:
The City of El Paso, http://www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/
The State of Texas, http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol
El Paso Gas Prices, http://www.elpasogasprices.com/
Kofi Bofah, Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Austin, Texas, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2133853/where_to_buy_cheap_gas_in_austin_texas.html?cat=16
David Hume discusses morality in his work, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. While many, including…
For people suffering from chronic bowel diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia,…
World history begins with the emergence of the homo sapiens around 250,000 years ago. Homo…
Indianapolis and Chicago are not that far apart. Still making the drive isn't always that…
Jackson, New Jersey: Great Adventure in New Jersey was one of three Six Flags parks…
Are you looking for unique Victorian craft ideas? In Victorian times every family member had…
This website uses cookies.