Malfunctions at several refinery units over the past couple of weeks have caused some unexpected shutdowns, reducing gasoline inventories and possibly adding more volatility to the fuel market, according to some experts.

In El Paso, the average price for unleaded gasoline is $2.88.

"It's crazy, it's ridiculous, it went from bad to worse," said West El Pasoan Brisma Martinez.

The higher gas prices are changing people's daily routines.

"Not go as far as normal. Normally we visit our families, but we stay on the West side, that's what we do," said Jim Woodruff from West El Paso.

Currently, El Paso has the highest gas prices in Texas and El Pasoans are wondering if they're going to keep going up.

Prices are already getting close to $4 in some cities. The problem is that refineries haven't been producing enough gasoline despite a high inventory of crude oil, which has caused speculation that prices may keep going up.

"I'm running empty in my gas like in a week. I fill up my tank on Friday and it's empty at the end of the week," said Martinez.