Alabama Gas Prices Surge Ahead Of Memorial Day

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Memorial Day weekend is one of the most-traveled weekends of the year in Alabama, as it coincides with the end of the school year for most systems, and cues the beginning of summer vacation. But it also traditionally brings with it a spike in gasoline prices.

With 34 million Americans planning road trips for the holiday, an increase of 53 percent from last year, demand for gas has gone up dramatically. Nearly every state in the U.S. has seen an increase in average gas prices heading into the three-day weekend.

According to AAA, Alabama is averaging $2.82 per gallon heading into the Memorial Day weekend, which is 20 cents higher than the average price per gallon a month ago in the state.

Although gas prices have increased in Alabama, the state still remains among those with the cheapest gas in the country. The national average is $3.04 per gallon.

The states with the cheapest gas heading into the holiday weekend:

1. Louisiana ($2.71)
2. Mississippi ($2.71)
3. Missouri ($2.73)
4. Texas ($2.74)
5. Oklahoma ($2.75)
6. Arkansas ($2.76)
7. Kansas ($2.83)
8. Minnesota ($2.83)
9. Alabama ($2.83)
10. North Dakota ($2.84).

"As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine and consumer confidence grows, Americans are demonstrating a strong desire to travel this Memorial Day," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. "This pent-up demand will result in a significant increase in Memorial Day travel, which is a strong indicator for summer, though we must all remember to continue taking important safety precautions."

The worst time to start your road trip is Friday afternoon, according to AAA. Highways are likely to be congested as travelers look to escape their hometowns for the weekend.

"Although vehicle trips are down as much as 40 percent in some metros, afternoon congestion is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels. With the increase of holiday travelers to the typical afternoon commute, drivers in the larger metros should expect longer delays heading into the holiday weekend," said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst, INRIX.