New Agua Caliente fuel station expands low-cost gas options in Coachella Valley

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Drivers are lining up at the newly opened Agua Caliente Fuel station in Palm Springs, where some of the city's lowest gas prices are drawing motorists looking for relief from high fuel costs.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians officially opened its second Agua Caliente Fuel station Saturday at the corner of Dinah Shore Drive and Lawrence Crossley Road. Regular gasoline was selling for $4.99 per gallon Monday.

The opening comes as California drivers continue paying some of the highest gas prices in the country, with the war in Iran adding pressure to prices at the pump.

Many drivers said the lower prices made the new station worth the stop.

"The prices for one, you can't really beat it," one driver said.

For Uber driver Brennan Baggett, saving money on gas can have a direct impact on his bottom line.

"I have to fill up every single day so definitely every penny saved is a big help for me," Baggett said. "I'm driving several rides a day and several hundreds of miles."

Agua Caliente officials say the tribe is able to offer competitive fuel prices because of its tribal sovereignty. They also say the station is more than just a place to buy gas.

"This is a tribal business, this is a tribal enterprise, so with everything, tribal enterprises support the tribal government which of course continues to give back to the greater community," Kate Anderson, Director of Public Relations, said.

The new location includes 24 fuel pumps, a convenience store and a gaming area with 90 slot machines. Tribal officials say they wanted to create a destination that offers more than just fuel.

As gas prices continue to weigh on many families, drivers say any opportunity to save money is welcome.

The Palm Springs station is part of the tribe's continued expansion. A third Agua Caliente Fuel station is under construction in Cathedral City.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.