By Tiffany Eckert/KLCC

This story originally appeared on KLCC.org and is used with permission

If you’re planning a road trip over the upcoming holiday weekend – prepare to pay. Oregon gas prices will be the highest ever for Labor Day, according to the American Automobile Association.

AAA Spokesperson Marie Dodds said a number of factors have put upward pressure on gas prices, the biggest being the war in the Middle East.

“The conflict has sent crude oil prices dramatically higher. Crude oil is that basic ingredient used to make a gallon of gas or diesel,” Dodds said. “So when the cost of your basic ingredient goes up—so does your end product. And that’s what we’re seeing.”  

The national average for regular gasoline holds steady at $4.10 a gallon. But the Oregon average jumps 12 cents to $4.89 a gallon.

Despite the highest ever gas prices for Labor Day, AAA expects record travel over the three-day holiday weekend. Dodds said drivers should prepare for congested roads over the condensed time period marking the end of summer.