Gas Prices Rising Fast in NJ, Already Near $5.50 a Gallon

About a month ago, gas was under $3 a gallon in New Jersey and we were all pretty happy. But my, how quickly things can change.

That $3 gas is now over $4 and it appears that it will keep rising over the next several weeks.

Oil Prices Spike Thursday

As I type this Thursday morning, the price of a barrel of oil is up more than ten percent. What does that mean to you? On that trend, expect another sharp jump in gas prices as we all saw just a few days ago.

And since it'll keep rising, I suppose seeing gas prices over $5/gallon will become more and more common. In fact, it's already happening in Atlantic County.

We've Seen This Before in South Jersey

Before we get to that, let's take a trip back in time. In June 2022, gas was at $5.19 in Cape May County...

$5.19 gas in Cape May County NJ in June 2022 - Photo: Chris Coleman

And two years ago, one gas station caught everyone's attention when they had gas pushing $6 for no real reason...

$5.99 gas at Exxon in Pleasantville NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman

So, we've seen expensive gas before. But that doesn't soften the blow. It hurts. Especially in this state, where we drive everywhere all the time.

South Jersey Gas Prices Already Hitting $5+ a Gallon

Just yesterday (on April Fools' Day of all days), one gas station on Tilton Road in Egg Harbor Township already had premium gas at $5.47/gallon. Actually, premium was $5.45... whatever is above that grade (they don't have a name for it) was two cents more. Premium-er gas, I suppose.

$5.47 gas in Egg Harbor Township NJ on April 1 2026 - Photo: Chris Coleman

If your car takes premium and you have to fill up, you're going to be close to $100. That hurts.

How to Save Gas as Prices Keep Rising in New Jersey

Experts offer some easy ways for you to save gas. We've heard many of these before, but here's a quick list from AAA:

Slow down and drive the speed limit; use cruise control
If your vehicle has Eco mode, use it
Avoid "jackrabbit" starts and hard acceleration
Avoid extended idling
When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early to coast to the stop line
Minimize your use of air conditioning
Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip
Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car
AAA has found that unless premium fuel is recommended or required by your car's manufacturer, it provides no added benefit

Average NJ gas prices as of March 31, 2026

AAA Fuel Prices website's average of New Jersey metro areas, comparing gas prices on March 12 to a month and a year ago. As of March 31, the average for regular gas was $3.927, a bit lower than the national average of $4.018. In New Jersey, the average was up more than 4 cents from a week prior, and more than a dollar from a month before.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

Self-serve gas: The pro's and con's of serving ourselves in NJ

The pros of having self-serve gasoline in New Jersey, along with reasons some use to oppose. Let's start with the pros.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com