{
  "id": 5916993,
  "title": "Americans hit with record-high Labour Day Weekend gasoline prices",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/americans-hit-with-record-high-labour-day-weekend-gasoline-prices",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-06T05:36:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/09/1526832/americans-hit-record-high-labour-day-weekend-gasoline-prices"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the Middle East conflict persists, Americans brace for record-high gasoline prices during Labor Day weekend, just as presidential campaigns begin for the upcoming midterm elections. The national average gasoline price is expected to reach $4.03 per gallon by Labor Day, surpassing the previous record of $3.83 per gallon set in 2012, according to GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. While gasoline prices have not yet reached all-time highs, they are currently the highest ever recorded this late in the year, potentially resulting in a national average price exceeding $4 per gallon for the first time ever on Labor Day, De Haan noted in a recent blog post. On Thursday, the national average price of gasoline stood at approximately $4.13 per gallon, a nearly $1 increase from last year's average, according to price-tracking service GasBuddy. Analysts warn that $4 per gallon is a significant concern for many consumers, as gasoline prices can quickly influence perceptions of the broader economy. With prices hovering above $4 a gallon for much of the year, the issue has become a persistent worry for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party, who have pledged to lower energy costs. Trump has recently criticized refiners and fuel retailers, accusing them of profiting from elevated pump prices. In a speech on August 14, Trump suggested that Americans should be willing to pay a \"tiny little bit more\" for gasoline to ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. Labor Day often marks the final summer getaway for many Americans, with a significant number traveling by car or airplane. Rising pump prices have coincided with crude oil prices, which recently jumped back above $90 a barrel following renewed military action between the US and Iran, reigniting concerns about potential disruptions to global crude supplies. Distillates, including diesel and heating oil, have also seen price increases due to ongoing attacks on Russian refining facilities, raising concerns about supply disruptions. Retail fuel prices and crude oil typically move in tandem since crude feedstock constitutes the primary cost of producing fuel. Many drivers are struggling with the high costs, with Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota recording some of the steepest price gains since the war began. In contrast, California, Hawaii, and Washington have the highest average gasoline prices in the nation.",
  "summary": "NEW YORK: With the war in the Middle East still raising energy costs, Americans face record-high gasoline prices for Labuor Day weekend, just as political campaigns kick off for midterm Congressional elections.",
  "key_points": [
    "Record-high $4.03 per gallon gasoline price expected for Labor Day weekend",
    "National average price surpasses previous record of $3.83 per gallon set in 2012",
    "$4 per gallon price could be first time ever on Labor Day, posing economic concern"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}