Local Average Gas Price Up 10 Cents from Last Week

One week after local gas prices managed to stay stable as locals prepared for Hurricane Irene, motorists are now paying 10 cents more per gallon of regular to fill up their tanks. 

The Friday average at the six Manchester and Lakehurst gas stations is $3.50.

The price of a barrel of oil rose above $88 during the past week of trading, which is common in the lead-up to holiday weekends such as Labor Day. In addition, some rigs in the Gulf of Mexico have been shut down due to Tropical Depression 13, reducing the supply of oil.

The increase may not last, however, as Friday morning oil trading saw prices drop below $86 in light of a weak U.S. jobs report.

Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline on Friday morning is $3.65, according to AAA. The New Jersey average is $3.56, also according to AAA.

If you’re traveling this week, be sure to check the Manchester Patch gas price roundup to make sure you get the best deal. All prices are as of Friday, Sept. 2.

• – Route 37 and Commonwealth Boulevard, Manchester: $3.53 regular, $3.69 plus, $3.79 premium.
•  – Route 37 and Route 70 circle, Lakehurst: $3.55 regular, $3.65 plus, $3.75 premium.
• – Route 70 and Route 547 (Center Street), Lakehurst: $3.49 regular, $3.59 plus, $3.89 premium.
• – Route 70 and Route 539, Manchester: $3.47 regular, $3.57 plus, $3.67 premium.
• Jersey Gas – Route 530 and Station Road, Whiting: Cash: $3.47 regular, $3.57 plus, $3.67 premium. Credit: $3.53 regular, $3.63 plus, $3.73 premium.
• Quick Chek – Route 70 and Route 571, Manchester: $3.45 regular, $3.59 plus, $3.69 premium.

As of press time, Jersey Gas is the only station charging a separate price for cash and credit. For figuring out the local average, Jersey Gas was calculated at $3.50, the average price for a gallon of regular purchased from Jersey Gas.