Virginia Gas Prices Hit New High As Memorial Day Travel Nears

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — With two weeks to go until Memorial Day and the first summer trips, gas prices again reached a new high Monday.

In Virginia, AAA reported the average price for regular gasoline Monday was $4.319, the highest-ever recorded average. That average is up from $4.222 a week ago, $3.933 a month ago, and $2.946 a year ago. Virginia's average is slightly below the national average of $4.483.

Gas prices are slightly higher in the Northern Virginia part of the DC metropolitan region, according to AAA data. As of Monday, the Northern Virginia gas price average was $4.484, a new record high up from $4.360 last week. A month ago, the average had been $4.053. A year ago, the average was $3.021.

The average price of a gallon of regular gas Monday across Northern Virginia and surrounding areas was:

• Alexandria City: $4.737
• Arlington County: $4.678
• Fairfax County: $4.685
• Fairfax City: $4.721
• Falls Church City: $4.625
• Fredericksburg City: $4.303
• Loudoun County: $4.386
• Manassas City: $4.34
• Prince William County: $4.378
• Stafford County: $4.285
• Spotsylvania County: $4.293

Last week, AAA noted prices have increased despite a slight dip in demand. The increase was attributed to volatile crude oil prices, currently above $105 per barrel.

A three-day gas tax holiday proposed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin isn't moving forward. In late April, a Virginia House committee did not advance a bill to temporarily suspend Virginia's 26.2-cent gas tax using surplus transportation funds, according to WTOP.

High gas prices aren't likely to deter travelers planning trips that were pushed back from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent AAA Travel poll. In a survey of 8,801 people in 12 states including Virginia, AAA found 90 percent of those planning a trip will travel within the U.S. In addition, nearly half plan to go on multiple trips. Road travel will be the main mode of transportation for travelers, but air travel is also expected to increase.

As gas prices soar, AAA members can use the AAA Fuel Finder or use the AAA mobile app to find the lowest prices. Another option for checking gas prices by ZIP code or town is Gas Buddy.