- Drought is affecting agricultural communities across multiple Western states, including Nebraska, Colorado, and Utah.
- Colorado and Nebraska are facing a shared challenge due to the ongoing drought in the Great Plains.
- Producers and specialists from Colorado and Nebraska are contributing to Federal Reserve Bank roundtable discussions regarding the shared economic challenges in the region.
Fed Economist Cites Conflict and Refining Issues Driving High Fuel Prices
What happened
A Federal Reserve economist presented to business leaders in Albuquerque on September 23, 2026, noting that fuel price pressures are likely to remain elevated. The economist stated that low oil inventory and tight refining capacity are shaping pump prices, which have surged nationally this month. The state average for regular gasoline in New Mexico was $4.47, while diesel hit $6.36 per gallon.
From abqjournal.com
Why it matters
The high prices are attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran, combined with low oil supply and growing refining problems, as refineries are operating at maximum capacity. The Federal Reserve Bank monitors economic conditions across the Tenth Federal Reserve District, which includes Colorado and New Mexico.
Producers and specialists from Colorado and Nebraska are contributing to Federal Reserve Bank roundtable discussions regarding shared economic challenges in the region, including the ongoing drought in the Great Plains.
From abqjournal.com
Who's involved
- Federal Reserve BankMonitors economic conditions across the Tenth Federal Reserve District, including Colorado and New Mexico.
- ColoradoState whose economic conditions are monitored by the Federal Reserve Bank.
- New MexicoState where the economist presented to business leaders in Albuquerque.
- AlbuquerqueCity where the Federal Reserve economist presented to local business leaders.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- ColoradoSpeculative
Rising fuel costs due to supply and refining issues could increase operational costs and consumer prices in Colorado.
- New MexicoSpeculative
Global refining capacity limits might increase fuel costs across New Mexico.
- New Mexico Department of TransportationSpeculative
Rising fuel costs could increase operational expenses for state transportation infrastructure in New Mexico.
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The entities involved
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Colorado
state of the United States of America
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Federal Reserve Bank
regional bank of the U.S. Federal Reserve System