Louisiana Drivers Face Higher Gas Prices Heading Into Labor Day Weekend
Louisiana motorists are paying more at the pump as holiday travel gets underway.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana drivers are paying more for gasoline heading into the Labor Day weekend, with the statewide average for regular unleaded reaching $3.77 a gallon on Friday, according to AAA.
The average was up nearly 10 cents from a week earlier and about 97 cents higher than the same time last year. The increase comes as motorists prepare for holiday travel and household budgets continue to absorb higher transportation costs.
In Baton Rouge, regular gasoline averaged $3.7675 a gallon, nearly identical to the statewide price. Diesel averaged $5.4940 a gallon in the capital region, adding pressure for motorists who drive diesel-powered vehicles and businesses that rely on diesel for transportation.
Statewide, diesel reached $5.4669 a gallon, its highest recorded average in Louisiana, according to AAA. The national average for regular gasoline stood at $4.1474 a gallon.
The higher prices are affecting more than the cost of filling a tank. For families traveling over the holiday weekend, the increase can mean less money available for food, recreation and other expenses. For businesses, higher fuel costs can raise the price of moving goods and providing services.
AAA reported that the national average was on track to set a record for the Labor Day holiday weekend, with continued volatility in global oil markets contributing to elevated prices.
Louisiana motorists can compare current statewide and metro-area averages through AAA Fuel Prices. Individual station prices may vary.
Photo caption: Gasoline prices are displayed at a station in Baton Rouge as Louisiana drivers face higher fuel costs heading into the Labor Day weekend.
