NJ Gas Prices Shot Up On Valentine's Day: Here's How Much

NEW JERSEY — Roses are red. Violets are blue. New Jersey's increasing gas prices probably aren't good news for you.

Gas prices continue to rise across the nation. In the Garden State, they recently brought some unwelcomed Valentine's Day news, according to AAA, which tracks gas prices nationwide. New Jersey gas prices averaged $3.59 per gallon Monday — 9 cents more than last week, 22 cents higher than a month ago and 93 cents more than Valentine's Day in 2021.

The national average price for a gallon of gas rose four cents this week to $3.48. Although filling up has gotten pricier in New Jersey, the state is still faring slightly better than neighbors New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, according to AAA.

Here's how the region is doing:

Why Are Gas Prices Rising?

Nationally, gas prices have hit their highest marks since 2014, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The high cost of crude oil has been the main culprit behind increasing prices, according to AAA. Moderating winter weather and optimism over a potential fading of the omicron variant have also led to increases in demand, the company says.

“More drivers fueling up here coupled with a persistent tight supply of oil worldwide provides the recipe for higher prices at the pump,” says Robert Sinclair Jr., AAA Northeast's senior manager of public affairs. “And unfortunately for consumers, it does not appear that this trend will change anytime soon.”

How Much Is Gas Near Me?

Here's the average gallon price by county as of Tuesday, according to AAA:

1. Sussex: $3.52
2. Passaic: $3.58
3. Bergen: $3.59
4. Warren: $3.55
5. Morris: $3.60
6. Essex: $3.66
7. Hudson: $3.60
8. Union: $3.60
9. Hunterdon: $3.62
10. Somerset: $3.66
11. Middlesex: $3.61
12. Mercer: $3.65
13. Monmouth: $3.61
14. Burlington: $3.57
15. Ocean: $3.63
16. Camden: $3.55
17. Gloucester: $3.58
18. Atlantic: $3.60
19. Salem: $3.58
20. Cumberland: $3.60
21. Cape May: $3.69