Gas Prices Rise Before Labor Day Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Chances are, a lot of you are winding down your holiday weekend and getting ready for a road trip back home.
Adam May reports AAA says that drive might be quicker than last year but it will cost you more money.
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year and 600,000 Marylanders were projected to take a road trip for the holiday.
"We recommend drivers build in enough time to get to their destinations. The roads will be congested," said Christine Delise, AAA.
But not as bad as last year. Travel is expected to be down more than two and a half percent, due in part to high gas prices. It's a dollar more a gallon compared to Labor Day 2010.
"Either the gas stations or gas companies are ripping us off because we know we have to have it," said one driver.
History says relief should be slight.
"Typically after Labor Day, gas prices start to decline due to a lack of demand and also refinery switch to less expensive winter fuel brands," Delise said.
But AAA says this year could be different. Tropical Storm Lee in the Gulf of Mexico prompted the evacuation of oil platforms, temporarily reducing production by 60 percent.
"Any disruption in oil production could allow for a spike in gas prices at the pump," Delise said.
And this hurricane season---predicted to be active---isn't over until Nov. 30.
A few hours ago, inspections began on some oil platforms in the Gulf. So far, there have been no reports of damage.
