Gasoline prices, over $4 per gallon, hit record high for Labor Day
Regular unleaded gasoline averaged $4.29 per gallon on September 11, 2026, following a 28 cent increase over one month. This surge contributed to August producer price growth accelerating to a three month high. Diesel prices have surpassed $6 per gallon for the first time, hitting record highs in cities like Colorado Springs. These costs follow a record high for the Labor Day weekend, driven by refinery shortages, geopolitical instability, and the conflict with Iran.
What changed
Gasoline prices rose to $4.29 per gallon and diesel exceeded $6 for the first time.
Live updates
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US Gasoline Prices Hit $4.29 per Gallon as Diesel Tops $6
Regular unleaded gasoline averaged $4.29 per gallon on September 11, 2026, following a 28 cent increase over one month. This surge contributed to August producer price growth accelerating to a three month high. Diesel prices have surpassed $6 per gallon for the first time, hitting record highs in cities like Colorado Springs. These costs follow a record high for the Labor Day weekend, driven by refinery shortages, geopolitical instability, and the conflict with Iran.
Why it matters
Rising fuel costs are impacting consumer budgets as mid-term elections approach. This economic pressure contrasts with affordability messaging at the first Republican midterm convention. Global oil prices recently returned to $100 per barrel.
What is confirmed
- The average price of regular unleaded gasoline was $4.29 per gallon on September 11, 2026.
- Diesel prices reached record highs.
- US producer prices grew at the fastest pace in three months during August due to fuel costs.
Still unconfirmed
- Gasoline prices in Colorado Springs may see relief soon.
- The Republican midterm convention's affordability message clashes with voter experience at gas stations.
What to watch next
- Updates on refinery capacity and production levels
- Developments in the war with Iran
- New producer price index data for September
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- gazette.com — Gas prices in Colorado Springs remain elevated, diesel hits record high in city; relief may be coming
- www.iolaregister.com — President’s oil crisis hits home
- finance.yahoo.com — August Producer Price Growth Accelerates to 3-Month High Amid Surge in Fuel Costs
- finance.yahoo.com — Gas prices up 28 cents in a month setting September record, diesel tops $6 for first time
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Global Oil Hits $100 Per Barrel as Labor Day Gas Prices Reach Records
Gasoline prices exceeded $4 per gallon during the 2026 Labor Day weekend, setting a new record for the holiday. Global oil prices have returned to $100 per barrel, the highest level since July. AAA attributes the surge to refinery shortages and geopolitical instability. These costs are driven primarily by the ongoing war with Iran and refinery issues, which are squeezing consumer budgets as the summer travel season ends and mid-term elections approach. Diesel prices have also reached all-time highs.
Why it matters
The current prices surpass the previous Labor Day record of $3.82 set in 2012. Market volatility is linked to Middle East conflict and concerns over prolonged oil supply disruptions. These economic pressures are expected to persist into the fall.
What is confirmed
- Gasoline prices exceeded $4 per gallon for Labor Day weekend.
- Global oil prices have reached $100 per barrel.
- The war with Iran and refinery issues are driving the price surge.
- AAA cites geopolitical instability and refinery shortages as causes for the price increase.
Still unconfirmed
- Rising gasoline prices could trigger a market crash.
What to watch next
- Updates on Middle East conflict and oil supply disruptions
- Mid-term election polling regarding fuel costs
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- NBC 7 San Diego — San Diego County gas prices set Labor Day record, thanks to Iran War, refinery issues
- WXII — “We decided to pay for the gas today,” one NC driver says
- Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com — Labor Day Gasoline Just Hit a Record. Here's What Comes Next
- www.cnn.com — Global oil prices hit $100 per barrel as Middle East conflict roils markets
- Fox News — Record gas prices squeeze Americans as summer travel season ends, midterms loom and Iran war wages on
- www.aol.com — Gasoline Prices Just Hit New Records, and They're Still Rising. Could They Trigger a Market Crash?
- www.lex18.com — Gas prices above $4 a gallon: What's driving the surge and how to save at the pump
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U.S. Gasoline Prices Hit Record High for Labor Day Weekend
Gasoline prices reached a record high for Labor Day weekend 2026, with national averages exceeding $4 per gallon. Reports on the exact Monday average vary between $4.09 and $4.15, significantly surpassing the previous 2012 record of $3.82. The surge is attributed to the Iran war and refinery issues. Diesel prices also hit an all-time high. While some regional prices fluctuated, the overall trend suggests high costs will persist into the fall, impacting household budgets and becoming a political liability ahead of mid-term elections.
Why it matters
The price spike coincides with ongoing conflict in Iran and disruptions at refineries. These energy costs are estimated to have added over $100 billion to American expenses. The timing is critical as the U.S. approaches mid-term elections.
What is confirmed
- Gasoline prices hit a record high for Labor Day weekend 2026.
- The national average for regular unleaded exceeded $4 per gallon.
- The previous Labor Day record was $3.82 in 2012.
- Fuel price increases are linked to refinery issues and the Iran war.
- Diesel prices reached an all-time high.
Still unconfirmed
- The Iran war added over $100 billion to Americans energy costs ahead of the midterms.
What to watch next
- Fall gasoline price trends
- Mid-term election polling regarding energy costs
- Updates on Iran war and refinery operational status
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (15)
- 13wham.com — Travelers react to higher prices during Labor Day weekend
- AP News — Fuel prices at record Labor Day high in US thanks to Iran War and refinery issues
- CNN — Americans are still struggling with high gas prices. The pain will likely continue this fall
- CNBC — Gasoline prices, over $4 per gallon, hit record high for Labor Day
- WMUR — Labor Day travelers prepare for heavy traffic, high gas prices
- MS NOW — We drove across the country twice, and kept the receipts. Here’s what it cost.
- Fortune — Trump sets unwanted Labor Day record with gas price at $4.14 mark
- Los Angeles Times — Fuel prices at record Labor Day high amid Iran war
- 12News — Arizona gas prices hit record high Labor Day weekend
- finance.yahoo.com — Gas prices hit record high for Labor Day weekend 2026
- oilprice.com — Labor Day Gasoline Just Hit a Record. Here’s What Comes Next
- www.wqow.com — Fuel prices at record Labor Day high in US thanks to Iran war and refinery issues