New Jersey motorists are set to face a major price hike at the pump as the annual switch from winter to summer blend gas begins this week. Experts warn that the usual 10-20 cent per gallon increase will be higher this year, with prices potentially reaching $3.75 per gallon by Monday.
New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and New England states are the last to make the switch, while Maryland and Virginia have already done so. Drivers in these states are advised to fill up or top off their tanks by today, Sunday, to avoid the price jump.
According to AAA, the current state average price for regular gas in New Jersey is $3.33 ($3.34 in Ocean County) per gallon, below the national average of $3.63. However, this will likely be the last weekend drivers will see prices under $3.40.
The increased cost is attributed to the more expensive refining process for summer-blend fuel, which produces less air pollution. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities, Iran’s strikes on Israel last night, and speculation in the commodities market are driving up crude oil prices.
Of course the haters will hate. If I hear anything from any of these haters I’m going to ask them why they were okay for Ukraine. We had our gas prices go up insanely with Russia invaded Ukraine and people were driving around so proud of themselves that they’re supporting Ukraine by paying extra dollar or so per gallon.