CHARLOTTE — Gas prices jumped 12 cents over the past 14 days, and six-cents since last Monday, landing the national average at $2.93 – the highest price point going into the Memorial Day weekend since 2014.

The spike has been felt in the Carolinas as well. North Carolina’s $2.76 average today is 10 cents higher over the last two weeks and six cents higher than just a week ago. South Carolina’s $2.63 is eight cents higher over the last two weeks and up six cents on the week.

“Although prices are 55 cents higher for North Carolinians and 58 cents higher for South Carolinians this year compared to last Memorial Day, we are still expecting over 1.8 million Carolinians to travel this holiday weekend,” said Tiffany Wright AAA Carolinas spokesperson. “Motorists will feel the spike at the pump, but higher prices won’t keep them from celebrating Memorial Day weekend with a road trip.”

Below is a breakdown of gas prices over the previous Memorial Day weekends.

For motorists traveling to other states across the U.S.
Today, 14 states tout an average of $3.00 or more. Outside of the typical West Coast states, Idaho and Utah, this count includes six Northeast and Mid-West states: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington, D.C., Illinois and Michigan. In addition, Arizona, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are all within four cents of hitting the $3 mark.
​
For those traveling within the Carolinas: 
The South and Southeast continue to tout the cheapest gas in the country, but prices are at least 50-cents more expensive than this time last year. Below is a breakdown of gas prices across the Carolinas by region.

 

For a breakdown of AAA Carolinas’ Memorial Day projection numbers, top destinations and travel tips, see the previous release here.

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.