Energy
AAA: Labor Day gas hits record holiday average near $4.15 as oil stays elevated
UPDATED · Tue. 4 p.m. EDT
AAA put the U.S. average for regular unleaded near $4.15 on Labor Day Monday — the first time the holiday average has topped $4, according to the association — as crude stayed elevated on Middle East supply risk. CNBC reported the prior Labor Day record was $3.82 in 2012. Analysts noted the seasonal shift toward winter-blend gasoline in September could ease pump prices even if oil remains firm; Afternoon oil near $93.70 WTI / $98.60 Brent after Houthi strikes on Saudi energy sites kept pump-pressure risks in focus.
Consumer gasoline pumps at a U.S. service station.
G. Edward Johnson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Center-left view
CNBC and Reuters frame a record Labor Day pump average near $4.15, holiday travel costs, and Middle East conflict as keeping crude — and prices — elevated versus a year ago.
Sources: CNBC · Reuters (oil) · CNBC (AAA record)
Center-right view
Market desks emphasize winter-blend relief ahead, EPA early winter-blend allowance, and the gap between elevated crude and expected seasonal pump easing later in September.
Sources: CNBC (Lipow / winter blend) · NY Post (oil / pump) · Reuters