By admin TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The national average for gasoline hit $4.15 per gallon on Labor Day, according to AAA.
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It is the first time the price has topped $4 on Labor Day, surpassing the previous Labor Day record of $3.82 set in 2012.
In Arizona, the average price is $4.54 per gallon, higher than the national average. Diesel prices are higher still, which usually means higher food costs for already weary drivers.
Drivers describe rising costs
Stan Welch, a Tucson driver, said he stopped to fill up his truck Monday after noticing prices had risen from the day before.
“I have a Dodge Ram pickup; I mean it’s a thirsty beast. Well, I had a little over a quarter of a tank, but as I’m driving by, I’m seeing the gas prices went up four, five cents since yesterday, so I stopped today, because I know they’re going up another three, four cents tonight,” Welch said.
Welch said the high prices were disappointing but not shocking.
“We can pay the gas prices. We don’t like to because we shouldn’t have to, but we’ll pay them,” Welch said.
Welch was one of dozens of drivers who stopped at the ARCO off Interstate 10 and Speedway Monday morning.
Lori Kalkwarf, another Tucson driver, filled her tank there Monday for $3.99 a gallon, nearly 80 cents more than she paid a year ago.
“I drive past like three or four other stations on the way just to come here because it’s always significantly cheaper and it’s worth it,” Kalkwarf said.
“It’s usually very crowded. Today is actually not too bad, but I’ve waited like three or four cars deep before to get in here,” Kalkwarf said.
Kalkwarf said the lines have been growing since the war with Iran began six months ago.
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According to AAA, the conflict has disrupted fuel supply through the Strait of Hormuz and kept crude oil prices higher than usual.
Some drivers working from home
Chris Walter, a Tucson driver, said the higher prices have led him to teach virtually from home rather than commute.
“It does factor in; I just don’t want to drive every day if I don’t necessarily need to,” Walter said.
Walter said he can afford the increased prices but worries about his students at Pima Community College, who he said live across the county.
“I think when they’re required to come in for clinicals or various classes, it’s something I think about for their life as well,” Walter said.
Walter said he hopes prices will come down soon, especially for those feeling the effect of high prices this holiday weekend.
“I can just see how that can benefit, I think everyone who is commuting, driving, perhaps motivating them to travel as well,” Walter said.
Prices are expected to decrease as the summer months end.
According to GasBuddy, much of the country will begin switching to winter-blend fuel after Sept. 15, which is typically cheaper.
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