CINCINNATI — Motorists hitting the road this week to celebrate the unofficial kick-off to summer will be greeted with the most expensive Memorial Day weekend gas prices since 2014.

The national average has stabilized following the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, but pump prices are likely to fluctuate leading up to the holiday weekend.

Over the past weekend, the national gas price average declined a penny to $3.03, the first decrease in two weeks. While barely cheaper on the week, the average is 17 cents more than last month and $1.12 more expensive than last year.

“AAA expects 37 million Americans to travel, mostly by car and plane, for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. That is a 60% increase over last year’s holiday and a strong indication that summer travel is going to be largely popular,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “With the increase in travel demand, gas prices are going to be expensive no matter where you fill up, so plan ahead. The AAA app can help to find the best price.”

While the Colonial Pipeline is back in operation and deliveries are in progress, some stations in the southeast continue to experience supply strain. This is likely to extend into the holiday weekend, but motorists will be able to fill-up.

Ohioans will be paying more at the pump compared to this time a year ago. The average price for regular gas in Ohio is $2.89 a week ahead of Memorial Day. While the average price decreased a penny on the week, it is almost $1 more per gallon compared 2020.

AAA expects 1.4 million Ohioans to travel over the Memorial Day holiday this year. This represents an 86% return of those who traveled pre-pandemic, in 2019, when a record number of Ohioans traveled for the holiday weekend.

AAA expects a significant rebound in travel this summer, as evidenced by the results of an exclusive survey of Ohioans that reveals 61% of respondents are considering or planning to take a trip this summer.*

According to the poll, 51% of Ohioans plan on traveling for either a quick getaway or more extravagant trip this summer.

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.