Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls For Answers As New Mexicans Face Skyrocketing Gas Prices at the Pump Due to Iran War

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On March 25, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)sent a letterto President Donald Trump demanding answers on the Administration's strategy to address rising energy prices driven by the ongoing conflict with Iran, as families and small businesses in southern New Mexico face sharp cost increases.

"Families in my district are paying more at the pump than almost anywhere else in the country - over a dollar more per gallonin just one month," said Rep. Vasquez. "Ranchers are seeing their operating costs climb, small businesses are getting squeezed, and hardworking New Mexicans are being forced to stretch every dollar just to keep up. This conflict is hitting people's wallets, and they deserve to know what the plan is to bring costs down."

In his letter, Vasquez highlighted how global instability, combined with disruptions to key energy shipping routes, has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about sustained inflation and long-term negative impacts on the American economy. He emphasized that while New Mexico's Permian Basin is a cornerstone of U.S. energy production, uncertainty in global markets is creating challenges for New Mexicans.

Vasquez called on the Administration to outline immediate steps it plans to take to lower energy costs, prevent prolonged price spikes, and protect American families from further economic strain. He also pressed for clarity on coordination with domestic energy producers and the Administration's assessment of long-term impacts on consumer prices.

"From the Permian to the pump, New Mexicans understand energy-but right now, they're feeling the pain of rising costs," Vasquez added. "The federal government must act with urgency to stabilize prices and protect the economic security of American families."

Rep. Vasquez requested a response from the Administration by April 25, 2026. The latest AAA datashows that New Mexico has suffered the highest gas price increases of any state in the country since the onset of the Iran war, with an increase of $1.18 per gallon.

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