LOUISVILLE, Ky. — While AAA is reporting a one cent drop in gas prices from last week, the average price of gas in the Louisville area will still be the highest it's been in seven years this Memorial Day weekend.
The average price of unleaded gas in Louisville is $3.13, higher than the national average of $3.03. In 2014, gas prices nationwide averaged $3.65 a gallon.
Experts said that while national prices jumped partly because of fuel delivery problems caused by Colonial Pipeline's shutdown earlier this month, prices have mostly stabilized and will remain close to $3 a gallon.
Last year, when travel was extremely down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average price of gas in West Central Kentucky was close to $1.83.
AAA said it expects 37 million Americans to travel for Memorial Day weekend. More than 1.8 million people went through U.S. airports Thursday, and the number is expected to increase over the holiday weekend.
Several states, including Kentucky, have announced loosening restrictions ahead of the weekend. Events and businesses in Kentucky with fewer than 1,000 people can increase capacity to 75%, while events with larger crowds can operate at 60%. Curfews for bars and restaurants are also lifted.
The announcement comes after the CDC updated its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, saying masks were no longer needed in crowds in outdoor settings and in most indoor settings.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky reiterated that information earlier this week, saying it is safe for COVID-vaccinated people to enjoy most activities without a mask this weekend.
"If you are vaccinated, you are protected, and you can enjoy your Memorial Day," Walensky said.
Unvaccinated people are still advised to social distance and wear masks in most situations.
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