Prepare For Pump Pain, Heavy Traffic Over Labor Day, Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Planning to wrap up the summer with a trip? Gasoline prices are lower this year compared to last, but still uncomfortably high, AAA officials said.

"So far this year, demand is 0.9 percent lower than a year ago. I think that inflation has cut into other areas of the family budget, leaving less for non-essential driving," Robert Sinclair, Jr, public affairs senior manager for AAA Northeast, told Patch on Wednesday. "Also, 40 percent of drivers have told us in surveys that $3.00 per gallon is the pain point for the price of gasoline and they would drive less, not eat out or delay a major purchase to pay for gasoline."

In New York State, the average price for gas Wednesday was up almost 22 cents a gallon from a month ago — $3.915 — though still 32 cents below Aug. 23 last year.

In the Hudson Valley:

• Dutchess/Putnam: $3.897 compared to $4.342 this time last year
• Kingston: $3.912; lower than $4.099 before Labor Day 2022
• White Plains: $3.952, down from $4.314 a year ago

As of Monday, the national average was $3.86; as of Wednesday it had dipped slightly to $3.845. Last year the national average price for gas was $3.90.

Still, AAA travel agency data show domestic bookings for air travel, hotels, rental cars and cruises are up 4 percent. A survey of AAA Northeast members shows more than 85 percent will drive to their Labor Day destinations.

Visiting friends and family, local attractions and the beach are the top destinations for AAA Northeast members. The largest percentage will take a trip between 50 and 200 miles.

The average gas price for New York City as of Monday was $3.93 per gallon, 28 cents less than last year. Long Island came in at $3.84, Connecticut averaged $3.82 and New Jersey $3.71.

OPEC production cuts and refinery operations curtailed by high heat have kept prices high this summer, AAA officials said. A major storm hitting the Gulf Coast could worsen the situation.

AAA Northeast says the busiest time will be between 2 and 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, according to INRIX data.

Friday, Sept. 1 is also expected to see heavier than normal traffic from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. AAA anticipates that Monday will be a very busy travel day — and in the Hudson Valley, most public schools are opening Sept. 5 or 6.