April 2 (Reuters) - Ford Motor ( F ) reported a near 9% drop in first-quarter U.S. sales on Thursday, as the auto industry grapples with persistent affordability pressures.

Higher borrowing costs, elevated sticker prices and the absence of federal tax credits for electric vehicles have dampened demand for new cars in the United States.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has further weighed on demand as a war-driven surge in energy prices squeezes consumer spending. U.S. gas prices are already approaching $4 a gallon, on average.

Although pricier fuel typically boosts interest in EVs, analysts say overall demand could be hit if car prices remain elevated.

The Detroit automaker's peers including General Motors and Toyota also reported lower sales on Wednesday.

Ford reported overall sales of 457,315 vehicles for the quarter ended March 31.