North Carolina Gas Prices Surge Before Memorial Day

CHARLOTTE, NC — Gas prices across North Carolina continue to climb ahead of the unofficial start of summer and drivers can expect to pay more at the pump this weekend than any Memorial Day weekend since 2014, according to AAA.

The auto club reports that the average gas price in North Carolina Monday was $2.76, up 6 cents from last week and 12 cents higher than last month.

“AAA forecasts nearly 37 million travelers will hit the road for the holiday weekend. Compared to an average of the last three Memorial Day weekends, pump prices are nearly 50 cents more expensive and climbing,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Trends are indicating that this summer is likely to bring the national average to at least $3/gallon.”

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The average price for a gallon of regular in the Charlotte metro region is $2.75, up 8 cents from last week. In North Carolina, the lowest average prices are in Winston-Salem ($2.70) and the highest in New Bern ($2.82).

While prices are rising in North Carolina, it could be worse. AAA reports that 14 states are reporting averages of $3.00 or higher already.

Here’s a rundown of the states with the largest increases in gas prices this past month:

• Minnesota (+28 cents)
• Wisconsin (+27 cents)
• Missouri (+25 cents)
• Connecticut (+23 cents)
• Delaware (+23 cents)
• Illinois (+23 cents)
• Wyoming (+22 cents)
• Kansas (+22 cents)
• Arizona (+21 cents)
• Texas (+21 cents).

See the entire AAA state gas report here.

Patch Editor J.R. Lind contributed

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