San Diego County drivers paid a record Labor Day price for regular gasoline this week, adding another cost pressure for Santee residents heading back into school-year routines.

NBC 7 San Diego, citing City News Service, reported the county's average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline rose to $5.95 on Labor Day. The previous Labor Day record was $5.38 in 2023.

The report linked the increase to higher oil prices tied to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and refinery issues. NBC 7 also cited Associated Press reporting that crude oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply.

For Santee households, the countywide average matters because many daily trips depend on driving, from school drop-offs and grocery runs to commutes on SR-52, SR-67 and Mission Gorge Road. Even without a Santee-specific station average, a countywide jump changes the math for anyone filling up locally.

Residents can watch for weekly price changes and compare nearby stations before longer East County or San Diego trips. This story is based on reporting from NBC 7 San Diego.