Travel, Gas Prices on the Increase, AAA Reports
BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 31, 2004 -- A summer that brought record high gas prices and travel approaching pre-9/11 levels will end with gas prices on the increase again and potentially record high Labor Day holiday travel, according to AAA Washington/Inland.
AAA estimates that 34.1 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a 2.2 percent increase from last year's record-matching 33.4 million travelers.
Gas prices in Washington and Idaho have increased during the past few weeks and have again gone over $2 per gallon in many areas. Currently, a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline averages $1.997 in Washington and $1.966 in Idaho.
Sample Self-serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices City Labor Day 4th of July Labor Day 2004 2004 2003 Washington 1.997 2.116 1.949 Bellingham 2.019 2.139 1.944 Bremerton 1.925 2.101 1.840 Olympia 1.985 2.089 1.863 Seattle-Bellevue- Everett 2.003 2.151 1.888 Spokane 2.000 2.100 1.807 Tacoma 1.916 2.093 1.824 Tri-Cities 2.005 2.064 1.823 Vancouver 1.924 2.104 1.843 Walla Walla 2.060 2.140 1.850 Wenatchee 2.043 2.134 1.874 Yakima 2.016 2.038 1.860 Idaho 1.966 2.001 1.827 Coeur d'Alene 2.002 2.009 1.801 Lewiston 1.930 1.980 1.750
AAA Washington/Inland provides its 840,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services and member-only savings. Since its founding in 1904, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying organization has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Information about AAA's products and services is available at its website at www.aaa.com.