Skip to main content
Press Releases

Memorial Day Madness: Americans Brace For Higher Gas Prices & Pricier Cookouts This Holiday Weekend

By May 21, 2026No Comments

Few Americans are getting a break this year as the Memorial Day weekend approaches. Working people everywhere are poised to spend more time worrying about finances than celebrating the beginning of summer. Trump’s war of choice in Iran sent energy prices and airfares through the roof as food prices are on the rise, foiling travel plans and backyard barbecues. He’s forcing working families to bear higher expenses after ripping away health care and food assistance from millions to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations.Take a look at what’s in store this holiday weekend thanks to Trump:

 

QUICK FACTS

 

  • RECORD-HIGH GAS PRICES EXPECTED THIS SUMMER: Economists are forecasting record high summer gas prices, with the summer average forecast to be $4.80 per gallon. Gas prices are already 60% higher than a year ago.
  • AIRFARES TAKE FLIGHT: Airfares are up 20% year-over year.
  • COFFEE JOLTS UP: Coffee prices are up 18% from last year.
  • BEEF BOLTS: Ground beef is up 15% compared to last year even as meat demand spikes.
  • FRUITS & VEGETABLES SKYROCKET: Fresh vegetables cost nearly 12% more than they did a year ago. Overall, fruits and vegetables are up over 6% year-over-year.
    • TOUGH TOMATOES: Tomatoes alone are up nearly 40% compared to last year.
  • SHRIMP SOARS: Seafood costs over 6% more than last year.
  • ELECTRICITY SPIKES: Electricity is up more than 6% year-over-year as Americans prepare for potentially record-breaking heat this summer.
  • CAR TROUBLE: Car maintenance and repair costs are up more than 5% year-over-year.

HEADLINES

 

###