EL PASO, Texas – The American Automobile Association (AAA) released its latest fuel‑price report on Wednesday, showing the national average price for regular gasoline has climbed to $4.14 per gallon. That figure tops the previous record set on Labor Day in 2012, when the average was $3.82 per gallon.
Local impact on El Paso drivers
AAA’s data also breaks down prices by region, and El Paso is among the Texas cities seeing the steepest increases. Local stations are averaging just over $4.00 per gallon, a level that many residents say strains household budgets.
“You know, people are struggling in this country. Help the little man out,” said Mike Cena, an expediter who spoke with ABC‑7. “What is our other option? Walk? Some people don’t even have that luxury of walking.”
Why prices are soaring
The AAA report cites a combination of factors driving the surge: higher crude‑oil prices, refinery maintenance that limits supply, and increased demand as Americans travel for the Labor Day weekend. The holiday traditionally brings a spike in road traffic, with the busiest travel days falling on Thursday, Friday and Monday.
Industry analysts note that the current price level reflects broader global market trends, not just regional supply constraints. “We’re seeing a perfect storm of demand and limited supply,” said a senior analyst at a national energy consultancy, who asked to remain unnamed. “When demand spikes during a holiday weekend, any supply shortfall is magnified in the pump price.”
What families can do
For families looking to stretch their dollars, experts recommend a few practical steps: fill up early in the morning when stations often have lower prices, use loyalty programs that offer discounts, and consider car‑pooling or public transportation for short trips.
Local officials in El Paso have not announced any immediate measures to address the price surge, but the city’s transportation department encourages residents to plan trips ahead of time and to stay informed about fuel‑price updates through the AAA website and local news outlets.
Looking ahead
AAA expects the national average to remain elevated through the remainder of the summer, with the possibility of further increases if crude‑oil prices continue to rise. The organization will release a new weekly report next week, which will show whether the Labor Day weekend spike was a temporary blip or the start of a longer‑term trend.
In the meantime, El Paso motorists are urged to monitor local price listings, compare stations, and consider alternative travel options when possible. While the current numbers represent a historic high for this season, many economists believe that market forces will eventually bring prices back toward more typical levels.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
