Fueling Freedom: How Lower Gas Prices Are Powering a Record Memorial Day Travel Surge
This Memorial Day weekend, Americans are hitting the road in record numbers, fueled by the lowest gas prices in years. AAA projects that 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday, marking the busiest Memorial Day travel period in over two decades.
A significant factor behind this surge is the decline in gasoline prices. The national average is projected to be $3.08 per gallon, compared to last year’s average of $3.59. This trend highlights the importance of energy policies that promote domestic production and energy independence, enabling Americans to travel without the burden of high fuel costs.
The affordability at the pump is encouraging more Americans to embark on road trips. AAA estimates that 39.4 million people will travel by car over the holiday weekend, an increase of 3% from last year.
As we commemorate Memorial Day, it’s worth noting how energy affordability contributes to our national mobility and economic resilience. Lower gas prices not only facilitate travel but also act as a stimulus, offsetting higher costs from other economic pressures.
This holiday weekend, as families and friends come together across the country, we recognize that it was made possible by fossil fuels and the hard-working men and women who help fill our gas tanks.
May 22, 2025