Gas Prices Decrease
Nearly 40 million Americans are set to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, and they’ll be doing so with an unexpected bonus: the lowest gas prices the country has seen in years.
According to the latest data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dipped to $3.17—a price not seen since early 2021. For road-trippers and commuters alike, this drop offers a much-needed reprieve from the fuel price spikes that followed the global disruptions of the past several years.
A Welcome Relief
“This is excellent news for anyone planning a Memorial Day getaway,” said AAA spokesperson Jenna Martinez. “With prices down, more families can afford to travel longer distances without stretching their budgets.”
Gas prices have been steadily declining throughout the spring, thanks in part to stable global oil markets, increased domestic production, and milder-than-expected seasonal demand. Industry analysts say that the trend reflects both an easing of inflationary pressures and a return to pre-pandemic travel patterns.
Travel on the Rise
AAA predicts that close to 38.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this weekend, the highest number in nearly two decades. Of those travelers, roughly 88% are expected to drive. With lower gas costs, destinations that might have seemed out of reach for some are suddenly back on the map.
“We’re seeing a big increase in last-minute hotel and rental car bookings, especially in coastal and national park areas,” said travel industry analyst Mark DeLuca. “People are eager to take advantage of the long weekend without breaking the bank.”
Regional Variations Persist
While the national average has fallen, prices still vary significantly across regions. Drivers in the South and Midwest are seeing some of the lowest rates, with several states averaging below $3 per gallon. Meanwhile, West Coast residents continue to pay more, particularly in California, where prices hover closer to $4.50 per gallon.
Looking Ahead
Experts caution that while the current trend is positive, prices could rise again later in the summer depending on hurricane activity, geopolitical developments, and changes in global demand.
For now, though, drivers are enjoying the savings. Whether it’s a beach day, mountain hike, or backyard barbecue, Memorial Day 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most affordable holiday weekends in recent memory.
Bottom line: Fill up the tank, grab the sunscreen, and hit the road—this year’s Memorial Day weekend is one to celebrate.
