The end of summer is near, Labor Day weekend less than 24 hours away. Gasoline prices have remained relatively quiet in many areas the last few weeks. With Labor Day fast approaching, what's going to happen with gas prices, and what can you expect?

Today, looking at GasBuddy stats, we see an average of $2.59/gal, down a small amount over the last week. What a difference a year makes! Prices in 2008 were closer to $3.67/gal. According to the GasBuddy poll, 91% of you believe gas prices become inflated around the holiday- wow! I have to admit, the timing of things sometimes is a bit too convenient- but is it true?

Looking at data from various cities and metro areas across the country, I don't see any conclusive patterns. Some areas rise and some fall over the weekend. Do we become more price sensitive over Labor Day weekend leading us to believe prices are manipulated?

Which ever you believe, here's what you can expect for this year. Much of the country (but not all) will see prices steady and then fall after the holiday. The U.S. driving season is almost over and we will be entering a time of year with historically weak demand. Refiners will soon be trying to rid themselves of summer blended fuels to produce winter spec fuel. Winter spec fuel is typically cheaper to produce, so we can expect refiners and retailers to pass the lower cost on to us.

Perhaps you noticed what "much of the country" could expect. Areas in California, specifically the Bay area, will be suffering from the highest gas prices in the Lower 48 as refiners are dealing with a major refinery outage plus high demand from the Labor Day weekend. This typically would mean sending gasoline from elsewhere, but California requires specially blended fuel not available everywhere and refiners are hurrying to produce all they can. The problem may spread to other parts of California as well, so be on the lookout.

The New England states may also see gas prices climb as a major refinery in Eastern Canada lowers production of the fuel it ships to the U.S. Northeast, putting pressure on other refiners to produce more gasoline there to meet demand.

You're now prepared for what will happen this weekend! Have a great and safe holiday weekend and make sure you use the GasBuddy Trip Calculator if you're heading out on a trip. Check back here for the latest news and information when you return!