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As Memorial Day weekend nears, gas prices are on the rise, with the national average for a gallon of regular fuel reaching $3.17, according to AAA. This marks an increase of four cents from last week, attributed to rising crude oil prices and increased demand as the summer driving season kicks off. Despite the recent uptick, drivers are still paying about 40 cents less than they did a year ago.
The Capital Region is experiencing similar trends, with the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel now at $3.09, up by five cents from last week and three cents from a month ago. The state average stands at $3.13 per gallon.
An estimated 39 million Americans are expected to travel during the holiday weekend, with AAA projecting that 39.4 million will travel by car. This marks an increase of one million drivers compared to last year, setting a new record for Memorial Day travel.
AAA advises travelers to plan their trips carefully, as peak congestion is expected in major metros such as Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Drivers are encouraged to travel during morning hours to avoid heavy traffic.