This will be welcome news for those of you taking a road trip over the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. Gas prices should be lower at the pump compared to last year according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. As of August 22nd, AAA reports the national gas price fell to $3.38, six cents from the prior week.
“The clouds of war overseas are less dark at the moment, and the Atlantic is quiet now too, which is taking pressure off of oil prices,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “More retail locations east of the Rockies are selling gas below $3 a gallon. Will this trend continue through the end of the year? Stay tuned.”
Researchers also say that overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. (We'll have to keep an eye on Hurricane season, however, which could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September.)
You can check the national average gas price daily on AAA's Gas Price website here.
Driving an EV? As of August 22nd, the national average for a kilowatt of electricity at an L2 commercial charging station was 34 cents. AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data weekly.
Labor Day Road Trips - Best/Worst Times
Most people will hit the road in the afternoon or early evening on Thursday or Friday this week according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights. So you're best bet to avoid traffic congestion will to be to hit the road in the morning on those days. Unless you're leaving on Saturday, when INRIX says the afternoon is your best bet. Getting home, you'll want to hit the road as early as possible on Sunday and on Labor Day to avoid afternoon holiday traffic.
For more travel data by Metro area click here.
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