The 4 Cheapest Gas Stations In Monmouth Co., Plus Tricks To Save

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A lot can change in a week. As of Thursday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Monmouth County is now $4.399, according to AAA.

Morris and Somerset counties lead the state for the highest gas prices right now, followed by Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth counties, according to AAA. South Jersey has the lowest gas prices.

Consider that one year ago, in March 2021, the price of a gallon of gas was $2.901. Just one month ago, in early February, it was $3.552.

And just one week ago it was $3.754.

AAA monitors New Jersey gas prices.

Here are some tricks to help you save at the pump:

1. 4 cheapest gas stations near Middletown: Drivers can save by using apps and websites to find the cheapest gas near them, including GasBuddy and Waze. According to GasBuddy, the cheapest gas to be found in Monmouth County as of Saturday is at:

• Manalapan Valero 436 NJ-33 West, $4.15/gallon as of Thursday
• Hazlet Costco, $4.15/gallon
• Aberdeen Conoco, $4.15/gallon
• Keyport Delta on Rt. 36, $4.17/gallon

2. Schedule your fill-up.

The day of the week you get gas could make a major difference, but the precise day is up for debate.

Wednesday is typically the best day to fill up for less, as prices tend to rise on Thursdays before weekend travel, automotive expert Lauren Fix told GEICO.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis analyzed gas prices in its metro area from October 2015 to March 2016. The study found prices were lowest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and highest on Fridays and Saturdays. Tuesday's gas was 8 cents per gallon cheaper than Friday's.

3. Pay with cash.

While gas prices may be outside of your control, you can still carry cash. Some stations charge less for cash, because they save on credit-card fees.

4. Don't top it off.

Stop pumping when you hear the first click, GEICO suggests. In the case of people in New Jersey, where self-service isn't available (yet), make sure your attendant follows this rule. Those extra squeezes are likely to splash out or evaporate, according to the insurance company. Screwing the gas cap back until it clicks ensures fuel won't escape as fumes.

Read more: NJ Self-Serve Gas Bill Is About Choice, Assemblymember Says

5. Follow the 10-second rule.

Don't idle. Idling drains your tank by a quarter- to a half-gallon per hour, whereas restarting only takes 10 seconds' worth of gas, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Even in the winter, there's little need to spend time "warming up" the engine before driving, according to GEICO. Most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after 30 seconds, the company says.