[ad_1]
About 35 million Americans are expected to be out over Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA, and they’ll find prices very high at the pump.
After years of pandemic isolation, people are planning summer travel closer to pre-pandemic levels. But their wallets take them little. Nationwide, gas prices have risen more than 60% since Memorial Day weekend in 2019, according to The Washington Post’s AAA. revealed in the analysis of the data.
[Pump shock: Why gas prices are so high]
How much more do I have to pay?
where are you going
Enter your travel details above to see how much it costs compared to Memorial Day weekend 2019.
Driving from Chicago to Los Angeles along historic Route 66, the iconic road trip that once helped cement American car culture, cost around $230 in 2019. Stop short of Petrified Forest National Park and the original McDonald’s site and museum, seeing the world’s largest ketchup bottle and his second largest rocking chair.
How far along some of America’s top road trips can you get on your 2019 budget?
of 2019this trip
Cost about $230
today$23
will get only you
To Grants, New Mexico
of 2019this trip
Cost about $230
today$230
will get only you
To Grants, New Mexico
of 2019this trip
Cost about $230
todayonly $230
get you Grants, New Mexico
of 2019this trip
Cost about $230
todayonly $230
get you Grants, New Mexico
of 2019this trip
Cost about $230
todayonly $230
get you Grants, New Mexico
Exceeds national average per gallon It hit $4.60 on May 26th for the first time since AAA began recording prices in 2000. While not an inflation-adjusted all-time high, it has risen dramatically from its early pandemic lows.
[A guide to your best summer vacation]
However, gasoline prices vary widely across the country, depending on fuel availability, taxes, and other factors, ranging from an average of $4.10 per gallon in Oklahoma to $6.07 in California.
In California, costs are driven up by heavy state gas taxes and environmental regulations. Another reason, Kevin Slagle of the Western States Petroleum Association told his Market Place, is that California is a “fuel island.” The state produces 30% of its oil needs and imports the remaining 70%. Without interstate pipelines, much of it comes from outside the United States and is expensive.
Gas prices in Oklahoma are just over $4, moderated by low taxes and proximity to refineries.
Industry experts see some relief heading into the summer, when gas prices are often higher. Declining fuel supplies and increasing demand continue to push prices up. The war in Ukraine is an important factor. Russia is the world’s largest oil exporter, and its invasion of Ukraine has left markets worried about future supplies.
Another reason prices remain high is that drivers are willing to pay. It’s not that Americans are driving less. Commuting is not an option for many, and road trips may be out of reach for some. According to a Washington Post-Schar School poll, six of his 10 Americans say gas prices are a “major factor” in their summer vacation plans. Millions of people traveling this holiday weekend are ready to pay the price for breaking out of the cocoon of the pandemic and taking the trip.
[Stop speeding, get the junk out of your trunk, and other strategies to save money at the gas pump]
So where are you charging this weekend? Data from the Federal Energy Information Agency shows that gas prices along highways will be even higher. Experts say shopping in different locations will force stations to compete for business, ultimately leading to lower prices. There are several apps that can help you find the lowest prices.
About this story
[ad_2]
Source link