Experts predict record number of drivers, lower Memorial Day gas prices
May 20, 2024, 7:57 AM | Updated: May 22, 2024, 8:20 am
A car is filled at a gas pump in Sandy on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Utah gas prices are currently below the national average. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY— AAA predicted that 43.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day weekend. That is just shy of the all-time record set back in 2005.
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AAA also forecasted that 38.4 million people will drive to their holiday destinations. If that number came true, it would be a record.
While roads could be jam-packed, gas prices are expected to be in much better shape than they have over the past couple of years.
Memorial Day gas prices
On Monday, AAA listed Utah’s average price for a gallon of unleaded gas at $3.68 a gallon. Last year, the price was $4.09, marking a price drop of 41 cents.
Utahns planning to travel outside of the Beehive State are also expected to see lower Memorial Day gas prices.
On Monday, regular unleaded gas in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico did not exceed $3.35 a gallon.
Idaho currently sits at $3.80 a gallon for regular unleaded, which is only 12 cents higher than Utah. Arizona’s average is $3.90 a gallon.
States to avoid filling up
While several western states are showing mercy this year, those on the Pacific Coast are not.
Regular unleaded gas in Nevada is $4.37 a gallon, as is Oregon. Washington is $4.60. California is $5.20.
For context, Monday’s national average is $3.59 a gallon for regular unleaded gas.
Average gas prices around the nation can be found on AAA’s website.
Related: Utah gas prices are about a dollar more than in Colorado. Why?
