Shoals' drivers see a rise in gas prices this Labor Day weekend

FLORENCE, Ala. (WAFF) - Alabamians are paying less at the pump than most other states. But that doesn't mean we aren't still feeling the pinch. Gas prices hit a new Labor Day record, passing a national average of more than four dollars a gallon for the first time ever, according to AAA. Last year during Labor Day weekend, Alabama averaged about $3.20 a gallon but it's up to nearly $3.80 today. That's less than the national average, but it's a lot more than it was last Labor Day. And drivers like Ariel Harris aren't happy. She is a mother - currently in medical school while also taking care of her nephew and niece. 'And that's even expensive on its own. School is even expensive to even try to better yourself. It's just almost impossible when you are doing it on your own.' Gas station owners have the final say on what price you pay at the pump, but those prices are driven by the price of crude oil. AAA reports crude oil prices are up to around 90 dollars a barrel now due to instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Harris says she's ready for a break at the pump. 'My opinion is they need to lower them. I mean it's already bad enough that rent and groceries and everything is already unmanageable. Let alone the transportation it takes to get there. Car payments are rising, everything is rising. You can barely afford to feed your family or afford to go to work to feed the family.' AAA says prices usually fall in September as travel slows, but crude oil costs could keep them higher. Click Here to Subscribe on YouTube:Watch the latest WAFF 48 news, sports & weather videos on our YouTube channel! Copyright 2026 WAFF. All rights reserved.