AAA: Gas prices are ‘expensive’ for this time of year

Drivers in New Jersey and around the nation aren’t getting much of a holiday break on prices at the pump.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey was $2.81 Friday, up five cents from a week ago and four cents higher than prices at this time a year ago.

The national average gas price Friday was $2.83 a gallon, up two cents from last week and higher than the national average of $2.74 a year ago. It’s the highest price since 2016.

At the Jersey Shore, average prices currently range from $2.80 to $2.87 for a gallon of regular gas, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. The cheapest gas is currently found in Atlantic County, while Monmouth County is the most expensive.

Analysts say demand for gasoline, higher crude oil prices, and the decrease in crude oil and gasoline supplies nationwide are still pushing prices higher.

Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson, says while gas typically rises toward summer as demand rise, it’s happening early.

“We are seeing very expensive gas prices for this time of year across the country,” she said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.