【ANN NEWS Los Angeles】 The U.S. Labor Day long weekend is officially underway, and Americans planning to hit the road this year are facing the highest Labor Day gas prices on record.
According to the latest data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average price for regular gasoline has risen to about $4.15 per gallon, up nearly 30% from $3.20 during the same period last year. AAA said this marks the first time in U.S. history that the national average gas price has exceeded $4 per gallon during the Labor Day holiday, surpassing the previous record of $3.82 set in 2012.
AAA said persistently high global crude oil prices, combined with continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz, are key factors keeping U.S. gasoline prices elevated. Gas prices typically decline toward the end of summer as demand falls, but this year has been markedly different.
Despite the sharp rise in gas prices, Americans remain eager to travel over the long weekend. AAA booking data showed Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York as the most popular U.S. domestic destinations for Labor Day this year, with Los Angeles/Anaheim also ranking among the top 10.
Southern California drivers should be particularly prepared for heavy traffic. Transportation data provider INRIX expects Friday to be one of the busiest days for road travel, with the southbound I-5 corridor from Los Angeles to San Diego projected to take as long as 5 hours and 19 minutes at around 6 p.m. Friday, about 75% longer than usual.
For Southern California residents planning a Labor Day road trip, this year will mean not only dealing with congested freeways but also preparing for significantly higher costs at the pump.
