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Labor Day travelers face record gas prices and heavy traffic
Labor Day travelers are facing record-breaking costs and significant congestion across the United States. According to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline is approximately $4.14 per gallon, marking the highest price ever recorded for a Labor Day weekend. Diesel fuel has also reached an all-time high, averaging $5.85 per gallon, which analysts suggest is driven by volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and high crude oil prices.
Travel costs extend beyond fuel. Domestic airfare has increased by roughly 2% compared to last year, with popular destinations seeing hikes of up to 20%. Hotel bookings are also up, contributing to overall travel inflation.
On the roads, transportation data from INRIX and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) predict heavy traffic delays, particularly during peak commuter hours on Thursday and Friday. WSDOT expects approximately 400,000 passengers to use Washington State Ferries this weekend, marking one of the busiest summer seasons since 2019. To mitigate congestion, WSDOT has paused most highway construction projects for the holiday weekend.
Entities
AAA · Donald Trump · Energy Information Administration · Inrix · JD Vance · NerdWallet · Strait of Hormuz · WSDOT · Washington State Department of Transportation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The national average for regular gasoline on Labor Day has never exceeded $4 per gallon. dailyastorian.com · nowgeorgia.com · sparkstrib.com · palestina-komitee.nl · keyt.com · +3 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Heavy traffic congestion is expected on Thursday and Friday during peak commuter periods. www.explorejeffersonpa.com · www.insurancejournal.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Average domestic airfare for Labor Day weekend is approximately $750, a 2% increase from last year. www.explorejeffersonpa.com · www.insurancejournal.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Washington State Ferries expects approximately 400,000 people to board over the holiday weekend. www.kirklandreporter.com · www.courierherald.com · www.federalwaymirror.com · www.issaquahreporter.com · www.rentonreporter.com
- [DISPUTED] The national average for regular gasoline was approximately $4.14 per gallon. dailyastorian.com · sparkstrib.com · nowgeorgia.com · www.insurancejournal.com · www.fox13news.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Diesel fuel prices reached an all-time high average of $5.85 per gallon. palestina-komitee.nl · democrats.org