Gas prices rise in NJ, around nation despite drop in demand

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gas prices increased for another week in New Jersey and around the nation, and analysts say they could have risen a bit further if a slight decrease in demand hadn’t helped to limit the size of the increase.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $3.00, up eight cents from a week ago. Drivers were paying an average of $1.99 a gallon a year ago at this time.

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.95, up six cents from last week. Drivers were paying an average of $1.81 a gallon a year ago at this time.

Analysts say drivers should expect continued fluctuations in prices at the pump in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial beginning of the summer driving season.