Maryland

Gas Prices in DC Area Surge Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

Drivers should fill up their gas tanks before the start of the weekend, experts say

D.C.-area residents will likely see high prices at the pump this Labor Day weekend due to Hurricane Harvey.

The Colonial Pipeline, which provides 40 percent of fuel on the East Coast, has been cut off due to the storm. Gas prices will go up in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, according to the American Automobile Association.

"They should fill up now because prices will continue to increase over the next few days until this all plays out," said John Townsend, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

As of Thursday night, the average cost of gas in the D.C. area was $2.40 -- 10 cents more compared to before Harvey made landfall.

The Colonial Pipeline is expected to reopen Sunday, but officials are not sure when prices will go back down.

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