Labor Day Gas Prices

"Gas prices are ridiculous, I went down south and gas is two something a gallon, up here its four dollars a gallon."

                Hurricane Isaac has officially landed, affecting mostly the gulf coast. But with millions set to travel this weekend will gas prices sky-rocket?

            Travel Expert Ed Welsh says, "In preparation for this there is eight refineries right in the storm path, they shut the refinery down Sunday and Monday, and They're shut down as we speak. And it should have zero impact on Labor Day weekend, but it will be interesting to see if there's any impact going into next week."

            Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce Pamela Matt says, "Labor day weekend is traditional a fantastic getaway weekend, it's your last feeling of summer and I think it's a huge travel weekend. With gas prices going off the charts I think it could really affect tourism in this area."

                Eighty-five percent of travelers this weekend will do so by car and overall nearly three percent more people will travel this weekend despite gas prices nearing four dollars. But some experts say most people don't mind spending the extra few dollars.

            Welsh added, "The price of gas has been an annoyance for sure, I think when you're planning on your vacation, an extra twenty bucks in the gas tank is probably going to have a lot less effect on your vacation than the extra twenty bucks a week that you're putting in."

            Economic experts say this summer has been fantastic for vacationers and this weekend will have little effect on businesses.

Matt says, "We suffered through the ski season, snow season, snowmobile season, but we were paid back in folds with a wonderful summer. I think they've really got to be feeling they've had a glorious economic boost in terms of tourism in this area."