Labor Day Gas Prices Decrease For First Time In Years
SEACAUCUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – The Labor Day Weekend is underway and for nearly 35 million Americans, that means finishing the first part of a road trip.
As CBS 2's Janelle Burrel reported, for the first time in years, getting to your destination by car may not be so painful at the gas pump.
As people travel to and from their Labor Day destinations, they're adding on mileage for the last hurrah of the summer.
"We're going to Maryland and it will be three hours," Joseph Chavez said.
But according to AAA, gas prices for August are down for the first time since 2010.
The national average for the price of gas right now is about $3.43 for regular, which is 15 cents lower than it was this time last year, Burrell reported.
In New Jersey, the average is even less at about $3.25 per gallon—almost 25 cents less compared to a year ago.
It's also less in New York where the average is $3.70 and in Connecticut which sits at $3.73
"No complaints," said Westbury resident Elisabeth Rodriguez.
There are no complaints either from mother Alexandra Murphy, who is taking her son James back to college.
"When you're got kids and you've got to pack them up with a full car, you need a bigger car. It takes a little more gas," she said.
The lower prices are also appreciated by those who love the water.
"Not just with the car, but the boat too. It makes a huge difference when you're putting 400 gallons of fuel in your boat," Weehawken resident Paul Sprieser said.
It typically costs Sprieser $1,600 to fill up his boat.
"In the past, a lot of people were taking their boats out because of fuel prices," he said.
Experts predict it's a trend we'll see continue into the fall. They say the end of summer driving season means less of a demand for gas which ultimately means lower prices at the pump.
AAA suggests using gas apps on your smartphone and credit cards with cash back rebates as a way to cut down on your fuel expenses.
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