- The national average gas price reached a record $4.14 per gallon heading into Labor Day weekend, surpassing the previous record of $3.82 set in 2012.
- Gainesville's average gas price is $4.01 per gallon, up two cents from last week, while Florida's statewide average rose to $3.98 per gallon.
- High crude oil prices near $90 per barrel and reduced gasoline supply keep gas prices elevated despite declining demand since late August.
Drivers face record Labor Day gas prices as the national average reaches $4.14 per gallon.
According to AAA’s weekly report released on Thursday, the Labor Day holiday weekend has never eclipsed the $4 mark nationally until this year. In the Gainesville area, the average price per gallon is $4.01, up two cents from $3.99 last week. In Florida, the statewide average increased from $3.96 to $3.98.
“Labor Day weekend travelers are facing the highest gas prices ever for this time of year. The national average is $4.14, up four cents from last week. Continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range,” the AAA release stated. “After a record-setting August, this Labor Day weekend is on track to also set a record at the pump.
“The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day. The current Labor Day record is $3.82, set on Sept. 3, 2012. Even though gasoline demand decreases this time of year, typically bringing down gas prices, this year is different due to the high cost of crude oil.”
In May, the price shot up to $4.56 per gallon in the Gainesville area, with the average Florida price at $4.51 and $4.56 nationwide.
The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed that gasoline demand has decreased since Aug. 27 from 9.04 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.92 million. The total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 206.8 million barrels of crude oil (bbl) to 205.7 million. Gasoline production remained flat, averaging 9.8 million barrels per day.
Thursday’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.14, up five cents since last month’s $4.09. Last year, the price was $3.19.
Florida has the 23rd-lowest price per gallon in the nation at $3.98. Statewide, gas averaged $3.82 per gallon last month and $3.10 a year ago.
In the Gainesville area, last month’s price was $3.93 per gallon, and last year it was $3.15.
According to GasBuddy.com, here are the cheapest stations to fill up at in Alachua County:
- $3.87 at Texaco, 4909 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville
- $3.88 at Murphy Express, 6323 NW 23rd St., Gainesville
- $3.89 at Raceway, 15330 NW US 301, Waldo
- $3.89 at Sunoco, 5310 NW 13th St., Gainesville
- $3.89 at Wawa, 2305 NW 13th St., Gainesville
- $3.89 at Chevron & Circle K, 5708 NW 34th St., Gainesville
- $3.89 at Pilot, 17276 US 301, Waldo
- $3.91 at Love’s Travel Stop, 5615 SE US-301, Hawthorne
State Stats
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($5.78), Washington ($5.47), Hawaii ($5.41), Oregon ($4.98), Alaska ($4.96), Nevada ($4.91), Idaho ($4.62), Arizona ($4.52), Utah ($4.42), and Montana ($4.38).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Indiana ($3.44), Texas ($3.69), Oklahoma ($3.71), Mississippi ($3.71), Louisiana ($3.75), Arkansas ($3.77), South Carolina ($3.78), Kansas ($3.78), Alabama ($3.79), and Wisconsin ($3.80).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (52 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (49 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), California (47 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), Illinois (45 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and North Dakota (44 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (31 cents), Missouri (33 cents), Iowa (33 cents), Nebraska (34 cents), Utah (34 cents), Maryland (34 cents), South Dakota (35 cents), Vermont (36 cents), Minnesota (37 cents), and Delaware (38 cents).