Gas prices will rise after Labor Day, GasBuddy head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan said on CNBC on Sept 11, 2026. The warning follows a post-holiday surge that pushed Wisconsin drivers near $4 per gallon and lifted prices more than 26 cents in Akron and Cleveland.
Gas Prices Hot Tracking: Why Experts Say Prices Are Going Up Now
De Haan said “without a doubt” prices will go higher. He pointed to historical seasonality and current supply tightness.
Labor Day marks the end of summer driving. Prices typically climb in fall. This year the climb started early.
What GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan Is Predicting for Gas Prices
Key quote and rationale for higher prices
De Haan told CNBC prices will increase in the coming weeks. Refinery output is down for maintenance. Crude inventories are falling.
Historical pattern after Labor Day and fall driving season
Post-Labor Day demand remains elevated for commuting and trucking. GasBuddy data shows a consistent uptick in September and October.
Impact of crude oil, refinery maintenance and seasonal demand
Crude oil prices set the floor for retail gas. Refinery maintenance reduces gasoline supply. Seasonal gasoline blends add cost.
Regional Hotspots: Where Drivers Are Paying More Right Now
Wisconsin drivers pay nearly $4 a gallon over Labor Day weekend
Wisconsin drivers paid nearly $4 a gallon over Labor Day weekend. The average was close to $3.99. Holiday travel pushed demand higher.
Gas prices spike more than 26 cents in Akron and Cleveland, Ohio
Gas prices spiked more than 26 cents in Akron and Cleveland. GasBuddy flagged the increase as notable for Northeast Ohio. Drivers saw the jump within days after the holiday.
GasBuddy state and metro price comparison map
| Region | Avg Price per Gallon | Change | Reference Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin state average | $3.99 | Up vs prior week | Labor Day weekend 2026 |
| Akron, Ohio metro | ~$3.45 | +26¢+ | Post-Labor Day 2026 |
| Cleveland, Ohio metro | ~$3.48 | +26¢+ | Post-Labor Day 2026 |
Core Pain Points for Drivers and Consumers
Rising fuel costs squeezing household budgets and travel plans
Higher gas prices reduce disposable income. Families cut discretionary travel. Commuters face higher weekly costs.
Price volatility and lack of clear timing for relief
Weekly swings make budgeting hard. No clear relief date is visible. Drivers report uncertainty.
Regional disparity causing confusion about fair prices
Price gaps between states persist. Taxes and supply chains drive differences. Consumers compare stations constantly.
Why Gas Prices Are Rising in Fall 2026
Supply factors: refinery output, inventory levels
Refinery maintenance is underway. Gasoline inventories are below seasonal norms. Imports are limited.
Demand factors: Labor Day travel tail, trucking and commuting
Labor Day travel extended into early September. Trucking demand remains strong. Commuting returns fully after summer.
Geopolitical and market sentiment drivers
Crude market sentiment is tight. Supply disruptions raise risk premium. Futures prices push retail up.
What Drivers Can Do to Mitigate Higher Gas Prices
How to use GasBuddy to find cheaper stations
GasBuddy tracks real-time prices by location. Users can filter by price and distance. Reports show the cheapest stations nearby.
Fuel-saving driving habits and vehicle maintenance tips
Maintain proper tire pressure. Avoid rapid acceleration. Regular maintenance improves mileage.
When to expect potential price relief
Relief may come if crude falls or refinery output rises. GasBuddy will track weekly updates. Timing remains uncertain.
Outlook and Next Milestones to Watch
Weekly GasBuddy price tracker updates
Weekly updates will show trend direction. State and metro averages will be published. Changes will be measured in cents per gallon.
Indicators that could accelerate or slow the increase
Crude oil prices are key. Refinery throughput data matters. Weather and hurricane risk can disrupt supply.
FAQ
Will gas prices go up after Labor Day?
Yes. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan said on Sept 11, 2026 prices will go higher after Labor Day.
Why are Wisconsin gas prices near $4 per gallon?
Labor Day weekend travel lifted demand. Regional supply and taxes pushed the state average close to $4.
How much have Akron and Cleveland gas prices increased?
Gas prices spiked more than 26 cents in both Akron and Cleveland after Labor Day, per GasBuddy.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will gas prices rise after Labor Day 2026?
- A: Yes. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan told CNBC on Sept 11, 2026 that prices will go higher in the coming weeks due to historical seasonality and current supply tightness.
- Q: Why are gas prices going up now?
- A: Refinery output is down for maintenance, crude inventories are falling, and post-Labor Day commuting and trucking demand remains elevated. Seasonal gasoline blends also add cost.
- Q: Which regions are seeing the biggest gas price spikes?
- A: Wisconsin averaged nearly $3.99 per gallon over Labor Day weekend, while Akron and Cleveland saw prices lift more than 26 cents.
- Q: What drives the typical fall gas price increase?
- A: Crude oil prices set the retail floor, refinery maintenance reduces gasoline supply, and fall driving season sustains demand after summer.
Extended Reading
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References: CNBC video Sept 11, 2026 “Without a doubt gas prices will go higher, says GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan”; News8000 report on Wisconsin drivers paying nearly $4 a gallon over Labor Day weekend; WKYC GasBuddy update on Akron and Cleveland price spikes.