Gas Prices Reach New Highs In VA, DC After Memorial Day Weekend

VIRGINIA — The average price of gas continues to reach new highs in Virginia, DC and the U.S. as demand grew during Memorial Day weekend travel.

Virginia's average of $4.529 per gallon Friday is a record high, while the nation's average is $4.761. The District of Columbia is seeing a record-high gas price average —$4.957— higher than the national average.

AAA cited data from the Energy Information Administration showing domestic gasoline stocks fell by 700,000 bbl to 219 million bbl last week, while demand grew from 8.8 million b/d to 8.98 million during Memorial Day weekend travel.

Prices are also shaped by global supply and demand.

"Crude prices have increased amid supply concerns from the market as the European Union works to implement a 90 percent ban on Russian oil imports by the end of this year," AAA said in a news release. "Crude prices were also boosted by increased demand expectations from the market after China lifted COVID-19 restrictions in Shanghai."

Virginia's $4.529 average is up from $4.449 a week ago and $4.059 a month ago. This time last year, gas cost an average $2.929 per gallon in Virginia, according to AAA data. DC's gas price average had been $4.847 a week ago, $4.516 a month ago, and $3.173 a year ago.

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

• Alexandria City: $4.846
• Arlington County: $4.802
• Fairfax County: $4.83
• Fairfax City: $4.834
• Falls Church City: $4.763
• Fredericksburg City: $4.482
• Loudoun County: $4.64
• Manassas City: $4.647
• Prince William County: $4.606
• Stafford County: $4.558
• Spotsylvania County: $4.504

To find the lowest gas prices, AAA members can use the AAA Fuel Finder or use the AAA mobile app. Gas Buddy is another option to check gas prices by town or ZIP code.