Gas prices rise in time for Labor Day weekend

As millions of Americans hit the road this Labor Day weekend, they can expect to pay more at the pump.

Tampa Bay drivers are paying about 20 cents more Friday than this time last week. Gas experts predict prices will continue to rise another 5 to 10 cents in the coming days.

A combination refinery and pipeline shut downs, tightened access to supply levels in the Gulf, and anticipated high gasoline demand surrounding Labor Day weekend are reasons why.

“Consumers should expect to see the highest Labor Day prices at the pump since 2014," stated Josh Carrasco, spokesperson for AAA, and auto club group, in a news release.

The good news is AAA does not expect Gulf refineries to be offline for months. In fact, early reports indicate minimal to no significant damage to Corpus Christi and Houston refineries. Once refineries are back to full operation, we should see prices begin to fall.

The next few days will offer more insight into how long total recovery and restoration efforts may take.