Gas Prices Are Still Squeezing American Families. Prices Could Increase Further In The Fall.

Diesel reached a record national average of $5.90 a gallon on Labor Day, increasing costs for freight and deliveries that can eventually reach consumers through food and other goods. (Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

With the national average for gas reaching $4.15 a gallon on Labor Day, drivers are cutting back on travel, savings, and everyday expenses, while analysts warn that geopolitical tensions could prevent the usual fall decline in fuel costs.

The figure shows how much the market has changed since late February, when regular gasoline averaged $2.98 a gallon nationwide. The Labor Day price was nearly 40% higher, and August's average of $4.07 was the highest ever recorded for that month. AAA confirmed that the previous Labor Day record was $3.82, set in 2012.