Bono, Arkansas – Gas prices are heading toward a record-breaking Labor Day weekend across the United States, with the national average expected to reach a level never before seen for the holiday, according to AAA. The rising cost of fuel comes as millions of people take to the roads for the final major travel weekend of the summer.
AAA said the national average has never been above $4 on Labor Day weekend. This year, however, the average stands at $4.14, putting the country on pace to set a new record for the holiday.
In Arkansas, drivers are paying somewhat less than the national average. Gas prices in the state were averaging about $3.77 per gallon. Even with the lower price compared with the national figure, busy roads and long lines at gas stations showed that travelers were still filling their tanks ahead of the holiday.
Lines formed at several gas stations on Friday, including locations in Bono and Jonesboro. Many of the customers were traveling from outside the area, highlighting the amount of long-distance travel taking place over the Labor Day weekend.
One of those travelers was Dallas Mitchell, who was making his way from South Dakota to New Orleans. Mitchell is moving to New Orleans and said he was already well into his journey when he stopped for gas in Arkansas.
“I’m coming from South Dakota currently right now. I’m on my way to New Orleans,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the amount of traffic on the roads surprised him, especially considering how expensive gasoline has become in many parts of the country. Despite the higher prices, he said there appeared to be little sign that travelers were slowing down.
Read also: Arkansas DCFS launches statewide hiring campaign to strengthen child protection services
“Actually I am kinda surprised to see as much as I’ve been seeing vehicles and talk on the radio how much travel there is this weekend how expensive the gas prices are and they’re not showing any slow down,” Mitchell said.
His trip has also given him a chance to see how dramatically gasoline prices can vary depending on the state. Mitchell said he recently traveled through other parts of the country and noticed major differences.
“Anywhere from $3.50 in like the Dakotas and Wyoming to as much as $6 in California and Oregon,” Mitchell said. “Right here is about average right now, right at $4.00. Anywhere between $3.50 and $4.00 is about the average I’ve seen between most states coming South.”
Because prices can change considerably from one location to another, Mitchell said he pays attention to gas prices while traveling and tries to choose where he fills up.
Read also: Saline County Fair and Rodeo set to continue despite major storm damage at fairgrounds
“Monitor the prices, and once you see it somewhere at a decent price, you feel like it’s acceptable,” Mitchell said.
AAA is also offering drivers several ways to improve fuel efficiency during the busy holiday weekend. The organization recommends keeping tires properly inflated, using cruise control to help maintain a steady speed and removing unnecessary items from vehicles. Extra weight can reduce gas mileage, making an already expensive road trip cost even more.
With heavy travel continuing through the holiday weekend, drivers are being encouraged to plan ahead, watch fuel prices and take simple steps to get the most out of every gallon.
