RR Walmart Fuel Station officially open as national gas prices rise

RIO RANCHO — As fuel prices approached $4 per gallon locally, Walmart opened its fuel station on Unser Boulevard March 18.

The store and gas station was busy Wednesday morning, however, with a dozen cars lined up to get their gas. Inside, patrons were getting a free drink and considering the discount program.

Store Manager Anita Trejo was excited to be open after a short delay in the construction phase.

“Customers were excited. We had a line of cars, so we’re ready for this. We are ready to get the show on the road,” she said.

The fuel station began construction in 2025 and was scheduled for completion in December. Trejo said there were some “hiccups” but that the project was only delayed by a couple of months.

Aside from fuel, the store offers typical convenience items, including tobacco, which is not available in Walmart stores, according to Trejo.

She said she looks forward to managing the store.

“I look forward to what comes along with it. I think my team has done a good job. We have a friendly staff,” she said, which she noted has mostly come from the main store.

She added that so far, the feedback has been positive. However, Trejo did not shy away from addressing fuel prices.

“We all know gas prices (are high right now). It’s going to be really beneficial for customers to sign up for Walmart Plus because you get 10 cents off of the gallon,” she said.

As of opening day, according to AAA fuel prices, national gas prices range from around $3.88 per gallon to nearly $5 per gallon. In New Mexico, the average price is $3.80. Sandoval County is sitting at around $3.75.

Comparatively, New Mexico’s average was around $2.60 per gallon in February.