Dirty Fuel Filter or somethind else?

[jaygo44]

Hello all.

I have an 02 boxster with 19k miles. My car started to "lose" power. In other words, when I start out in 1st gear it's fine, but then when I shift the engine "lags" a bit and the rpm's go from 2 to 3.5 with out much feel in power. Is this due to a dirty fuel filter. I did go almost to empty a couple of times right before that and noticed after I filled up. Also, when coming to a corner and pull out of the corner on 2nd I have to give it more gas than I did before or the car feels like it;s going to stall. Any input would be halpful.

Thanks