Summer travel season kicks off with high fuel prices across Virginia

(WSET) — More than a million Virginians are expected to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend — despite rising gas prices.

Right now, the state average is around $4.30 a gallon. That’s 50 percent higher than it was three months ago, before the war in Iran.

Right now, it will cost you $4.29 a gallon to fill up at the 76 on Langhorne Road. And prices could keep climbing, potentially making this the most expensive summer at the pump in years.

GasBuddy says the national average could hit $4.48 a gallon by Memorial Day, a big jump from $3.14 this time last year.

Prices may keep rising, averaging around $4.80 a gallon throughout the summer.

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Despite this, experts say many Virginians are still willing to hit the road for the holiday weekend. They are just finding alternative ways to save.

Patrick De Haan, petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, said, “If you’re driving long distances, going 65 miles an hour instead of 75 can boost your fuel efficiency 10 to 25%. The equivalent of getting two gallons for free when you fill up.”

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee when these prices will drop. That is why experts say you should plan ahead and shop around. You can also save by filling up earlier in the week.