Hurricane Isaac, Labor Day Weekend Could Affect Gas Prices

Already, gas prices in the local area are rising, in some cases above the national average. And two factors -- Hurricane Isaac and Labor Day weekend -- could push them higher.

As the storm bears down on the U.S. Gulf Coast, where much of the nation's gasoline is produced, many oil companies are considering shutting down their refineries in that area.

According to cbsnews.com, refineries with the combined capacity to refine 1 million barrels of oil per day are in the process of shutting down. The U.S. consumes about 19 million barrels of oil products per day.

If refineries lose power suddenly, it can take several days to restart them, CBS reported. If refiners conduct what is called an orderly shutdown, operations can be restarted more easily.

Also, the Labor Day weekend, regarded as the traditional end of the summer season, usually brings heavier driving throughout the U.S. That factor also could push up gas prices. You might want to fill up early. The following are the lowest gas prices in the Loganville and Grayson areas.

Grayson

• $3.72 Happy World Mart, 2693 Highway 20
• $3.77 Kroger Fuel Center (discount available) 1911 Grayson Highway
• $3.80 Grayson Citgo, 2201 Loganville Highway

Loganville

• $3.50 Mini Food Mart, 4658 Atlanta Highway
• $3.56 Valero, 125 Athens Highway
• $3.60 Mr. Macs #2, 700 Highway 78