Gas prices dampen labor day travel plans - KOTA Territory News

Gas prices dampen labor day travel plans

As we head into Labor day weekend, motorists are likely to see the gas prices creep higher.

In Rapid City, the average is around $3.65, while state wide, gas prices are closer to $3.77.

But that extra expense is dampening travel plans around kota territory.

These days, the lure of a long weekend away from the city is becoming too pricey for some.

"Might not get to do the fun things you have planned because its always 20 cents more during the holidays," said Kyle Doerr, a Rapid City student who plans to stay home over the long weekend because of gas prices. 

"they've been high and they went higher!" said Paulette Kirby. 

While gas is up 18 cents from this time last year, economists say some unique factors have prices inching upward.  

"The hurricane has shut down some refineries, but with supply so short, even a little blip on the ability to provide enough gasoline has an immediate effect on the cost of gasoline," said Don Frankenfeld, local economist. 

But travel agents say many people are taking the plunge, despite the extra ache they feel at the pump.

"They're going to get in their car and go. National average shows 85% of all labor day travelers will travel by car and they're going 100 to 400 miles away from home," said Rhonda Keller, Branch Manager at AAA Travel.

"It just means $10 or $20 that you might've spent you might not get a t-shirt or something for your nephew," said Doerr. 

For others, travel may not be off the table completely.

"I think more people should ride their bike. While gas prices continue to rise, I'd rather save my money," said Kirby.

Economists predict the price of gas will drop as fall approaches.

Travel agents say, if we hover around the four-dollar mark for too long, we may see more people canceling their travel plans to save money.