Gas prices tick up in NJ, rise more across nation at large

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gas prices ticked up in New Jersey and rose by double digits around the country at large amid tighter supplies and higher demand.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $3.31, up three cents from last week. Drivers were paying $3.38 a gallon on average a year ago at this time.

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.29, up 12 cents from last week. Drivers were paying $3.39 a gallon on average a year ago at this time.

Analysts expect the cost of gas to rise a bit more before the surge stalls due to less expensive oil and a return to seasonal driving patterns, said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. But Noble noted that last year “will go down as a record year with a national annual average of $3.96.”