Gasoline prices rise as July 4 approaches

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A record number of more than 60 million travelers are expected to hit the road during the July 4 holiday week, according to AAA.

This is two million more than last year.

Prices at the gas pumps are already rising.

For the second week in a row, people are paying slightly more than they used to to fill up their tank.

AAA reported that the national average for gasoline is $3.49 per gallon.

In North Carolina, the average is $3.29 a gallon, four cents more than this time last year. That’s about 60 cents more every time someone fills their tank.

But as people are already starting to enjoy their 4th of July holidays, prices are expected to be even more expensive.

AAA is anticipating a record-breaking week of travel, with Wednesday, July 3 expected to be the busiest on the roads.

“It’s the holiday, people are trying to get out and enjoy it with family and friends,” said William Hamlet, who stopped in Raleigh to fill up his tank during his road trip from Tennessee to the Outer Banks.

He said that during his 12-hour trip he already noticed a difference.

“Prices have gone up since we left,” Hamlet said. “Almost a dollar more.”

Experts suggest filling up before the busiest travel days to help get the best deals.