Hoboken, Jersey City Gas Stations Lowered Prices To Encourage Self-Serve

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Willow Sunoco in Hoboken, and six gas stations in Jersey City, are among 78 gas stations in New Jersey that decided to drop their prices on Friday to offer what they say are "self-serve" prices.

The discounts were part of a campaign to push state lawmakers to add self-service options at the pump.

If you've ever wondered why New Jerseyans can't pump their own gas, here's why: Current state law, which came into effect in 1949, says it is in the public interest for station attendants to pump gas, to reduce fire hazards.

Anyone who violates state law can be fined $50-250 for a first offense, and no more than $500 for further violations.

Friday's self-serve initiative was organized by Fuel Your Way NJ — a coalition "comprised of business and industry organizations" that advocates for New Jersey to allow drivers to pump their own gas while maintaining full-service stations.

State lawmakers introduced a measure in March that would add self-service options to stations, but the Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act has stalled in the General Assembly.

• From March 3: NJ Self-Serve Gas Bill Is About Choice, Assemblymember Says

Discounts will vary at each station, since every business has costs on expenses such as labor, according to Sal Risalvato, executive director of the New Jersey Gasoline, C-Store and Automotive Association — a group of small-business owners that have advocated for self-service legislation.

Critics of the bill have argued that adding a self-service option won't lower prices.

But Fuel Your Way NJ claims a self-service option would save drivers 15 cents or more per gallon.

Gas prices continue to climb in New Jersey, even as profits soar for oil and gas companies. The average cost of gas in New Jersey rose to $4.50 per gallon Thursday — higher than the average one week ago ($4.31), a month ago ($4.08) and a year ago ($3.04).

Willow Sunoco is located at 1301 Willow Ave. in Hoboken. See the full list of participating stations in each county at the end of this story.

Patch Editor Josh Bakan contributed to this story.

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