As Fuel Prices Rise, Mercer County Monitoring Local Gas Stations

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — As gas prices continue to rise in wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prices in New Jersey hit a record average of $4.17, the AAA reported on Monday.

To ensure that local gas stations are not overcharging residents and “playing by the rules,” the Office of Weights & Measures is monitoring the situation, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Huges said.

"Mercer County works to ensure that consumers are getting what they pay for," Hughes said. "Service station owners are only allowed to change the price once in a 24-hour period, and that is something we are keeping an eye on."

AAA reported on Monday morning the national average gas price was $4.06 per gallon. Read More: Gas Prices Climbing Across NJ As Global Supply Is Pinched

Morris, Essex, Union, Somerset, and Mercer counties are seeing the highest prices for gasoline in the state, from $4.23 to $4.19 a gallon.

The skyrocketing prices is being attributed to supply crunches exacerbated by the financial fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Traders, shippers and financers separating themselves from Russian oil supplies have removed millions of barrels of oil from the global supply chain, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Hughes also shared a few tips with residents on how to ensure they they are not being overcharged:

• Check serialized decals: Decals on the pump indicate the device has been tested by the Office of Weights & Measures.
• Decoy pricing: Make sure prices shown on the pump and street signs match.
• Watch the pump: Make sure the pump is set at zero at the start of the transaction.
• Cash versus credit: Check to see whether the gas station charges more per gallon for credit card purchases than for cash transactions. If the station chooses to do this, state law requires that it clearly mark the prices for cash and for credit purchases on its signs.

If you think you did not get the proper amount of fuel at your purchase, call Mercer County Weights & Measures at 609-989-6671.

How to save on gas:

• Track gas prices: Phone Apps, like AAA TripTik, can help track the lowest price per gallon by location.
• Pay with cash: Some stations offer a lower cash price.
• Drive strategically: Carpool, use ride-sharing Apps, telecommute if that option is available, schedule your errands in a single trip, avoid rush hour stop-and-go traffic.
• Sign up for loyalty programs: Gas stations chains usually offer incentives to offset the price at the pump.
• Observe the speed limit: Driving over the speed limit consumes more fuel.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

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