This post is part of a series chronicling news coverage of rising prices in the United States. See more here.
WALA in Mobile reports summer travelers are “adjusting plans” due to high gas prices ahead of Memorial Day
AAA representative: “This is an extremely busy time of year, and then you add in the conflict in the Middle East, and the situation is fluid and it's very volatile”
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From a May 20, 2026, video uploaded to the website of WALA
JORDYN LASSITER (REPORTER): That's right, Cameron. AAA Alabama says the statewide average for regular gas right now is well over $4, around $4.15, more than a dollar above where prices stood this time last year. With summer travel season about to begin, many drivers may be adjusting plans but still hoping to make the most of their vacations. For many drivers in Alabama, the continuing rising costs are just packing on.
MOBILE RESIDENT 1: I've been buying gas every two days.
LASSITER: Just as summer travel season kicks off. According to AAA Alabama, Baldwin County is averaging around $4.13 a gallon, Mobile County is at $4.12, and Escambia County is at $4.24. And Conecuh County topping the list locally at $4.25. Experts say the demand from the busy travel season is adding pressure with ongoing global tensions.
SHERI FALK SEE (AAA PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER): Alabama is typically below the national average, but once you get down towards the state line, you're going to see those prices go up more. This is the time of year where we typically see gas prices go up. This is an extremely busy time of year, and then you add in the conflict in the Middle East, and the situation is fluid and it's very volatile.
LASSITER: The national average price of gasoline is projected to be $1.48 more on this Memorial Day compared to last year. That's according to Gas Buddy, a tech company that says 56% of Americans plan to drive more than 2 hours this summer. Despite the frustration, many travelers say they still plan to hit the road this summer, just not as often.
MOBILE RESIDENT 2: Even with the gas prices, you know what? I said about one trip.
RESIDENT 1: The furthest I'm going is to Pensacola.
RESIDENT 2: Florida is the furthest place. Now, if we're going anywhere else, an airplane ticket will be, will be bought.
LASSITER: AAA says while prices could continue fluctuating throughout the summer, drivers can expect demand around holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July to keep pressure on gas prices in the weeks ahead. In studio, Jordyn Lassiter, Fox 10 News.