Gas prices are rising and the AAA projects that the national average could jump by more than 40 cents this summer, topping out above $2.70 per gallon. The national average today is $2.39.
Gasoline prices in metro New Orleans have increased 10 cents per gallon in the past week to an average of $2.17 for regular. The price for premium is $2.71.
One year ago the average price for a gallon of regular in the metro area was $1.83.
“Higher gas prices are already influencing the travel industry,” said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of Travel and Publishing. “The good news is people are still planning to hit the road. With nearly 80 percent of family travelers planning a road trip this year, higher gas prices are making shorter trips to national parks and theme parks the most desired travel destinations.”