Americans are paying the highest gasoline prices ever recorded on Labor Day, with the national average for regular gas reaching $4.15 per gallon on Monday.
According to AAA, the national average stood at $4.1505 per gallon on September 7, making this the first Labor Day with gas prices above $4 a gallon.
The previous Labor Day weekend record was $3.82 per gallon in 2012, according to CBS News. This year’s price is also nearly $1 per gallon higher than it was a year ago.
For RVers traveling over the holiday weekend, the difference adds up quickly. At $4.15 per gallon, filling a 50-gallon tank costs about $207.50. A 75-gallon fill-up runs about $311.
Why Gas Prices Are So High
AAA said last week that continued volatility surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices higher, offsetting the seasonal decline in gasoline demand that normally helps lower prices around this time of year.
CBS News reports that oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply amid the war with Iran. Other pressures include attacks on Russian refineries, declining refinery output in China and U.S. refineries operating near capacity.
Gasoline prices typically begin falling after the summer driving season as demand drops and refineries switch to cheaper winter-blend fuel.
There is no guarantee that will happen quickly this year. Refinery disruptions or hurricanes could make it harder for prices to fall, although Energy Secretary Chris Wright said gasoline futures were pointing toward lower prices in the coming months.
This Is a Labor Day Record, Not an All-Time Gas Price Record
Monday’s $4.15 average is the highest ever recorded for Labor Day, but it is not the highest national gasoline price on record.
The all-time national average for regular gasoline remains $5.02 per gallon, reached in June 2022.
Diesel has already surpassed its previous all-time record. It reached $5.85 per gallon on Friday and climbed another five cents by Labor Day.
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