01 September, 2017
Gas prices are spiking around the nation, and here in the Ozarks.
Gas prices are on the rise, and with Labor Day almost here, you should get ready to pay even more at the pump. In Flagstaff, gas prices are up just over four-cents a gallon to $2.57 a gallon.
In the Prescott area, gas is up almost three-cents a gallon on average to $2.32 a gallon.
The average price in OR may climb a few more pennies before September 4, AAA spokeswoman Marie Dodds said.
The Illinois Tollway expects more than 8 million vehicles will hit the roads for Labor Day weekend.
AAA spokesman Ken Grant says the national average could climb up to $2.50 per gallon as a result of Harvey; the last time the average reached that high was on August 28, 2015.
Gas prices are rising more dramatically in other parts of the country than in OR because of strong demand for Labor Day travel and reduced fuel supplies following Hurricane Harvey, according to the report.
Evan Mason, of James Mason Enterprises says keeping an eye on the cost of fuel is essential for their existence, "We've got 22 trucks and we run coast to coast".
Harvey has blasted Texas and the Gulf Coast with heavy rain, leading to the worst flooding on record in the Houston area, the report said.
According to AAA, the national gas price average for a regular tank of gas sat at $2.52 Friday morning.
Average diesel prices are rising, too. We normally would have seen gasoline prices increase much earlier in the season, shortly around Memorial Day or so. Prices locally range from $2.44 for unleaded to $2.89 for premium.
