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Samantha Hayes ReportingThe number of Americans traveling over this Labor Day weekend is expected to be the highest in eight years, according to AAA. And those on the road are paying the highest gasoline prices ever.
The oil industry points to high crude oil costs, refinery outages, and a shutdown pipeline. Whatever the reason, if you travel on Labor Day weekend, high gas prices are a guarantee. Local stations have reported decreased volume and customers choosing cheaper grades of gasoline in response. And some are even using alternate means of transportation.
Ringo Delgado, West Jordan: “Sometimes I have to use Trax when I get a chance. Just drop the cars and use Trax because it is more economic.”
In Salt Lake City the highest prices were recorded this weekend by AAA Utah. It reached nearly $1.80 for regular unleaded, compared to $1.45 last Labor Day weekend. And that's above the national average $1.73.
Why is it so high? Consumer groups blame supply kinks; inventories levels always fall before the Labor Day weekend just before the demand goes up. Oil Companies say the problem is they can't move gasoline around because of environmental specifications from state to state.
