Guess How Much N.J. Gas Prices Will Jump By Summer

That 23-cent gas-tax hike is going to look like small potatoes pretty soon. By summer, New Jersey drivers are expected to pay a lot more.

The average price of gas in New Jersey is expected to increase by about 40 cents a gallon by the summer, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

AAA expects New Jersey's average this summer to approach or even exceed $2.70 for a gallon of regular unleaded. The average for New Jersey is currently $2.29; a year ago, it was $1.84.

“It’s been a while since gas prices have been high enough to make drivers think twice about how far they go or how often they fill up, but this new survey suggests that time is fast approaching,” says Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

During April, Americans across the country will start to see gas prices begin to climb as the industry wraps up spring maintenance and completes the switch over to summer-blend gasoline.

AAA expects the national average this summer to also peak near $2.70 for a gallon of regular unleaded as more drivers take to the road and demand drives prices up. The national average Monday was $2.29.

AAA also says an improving economy will encourage people to travel more, which will also increase demand.

“Gas across the country is already running about 30 cents higher than last year. Add another 40 cents and drivers are bound to take notice,” Tidwell says.

Gov. Chris Christie signed the controversial 23-cent gas tax into law last fall while also cutting the sales tax and lifting a three-month ban on construction projects.

The hike, which took Nov. 1, will replenish the state's bankrupt Transportation Trust Fund, which funded the projects that Christie had stopped when the money ran dry in July.

Christie signed the legislation after months of controversial discussions regarding the legislation. The state Senate voted 24-14 to approve the plan, while the state Assembly voted 44-27 to approve it, with nine not voting, soon afterward.

Read more: N.J. Gas Tax Hike: What You Need To Know

Higher gas prices, meanwhile, are already influencing the travel industry, said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of travel and publishing.

“The good news is people are still planning to hit the road," he said. "With nearly 80 percent of family travelers planning a road trip this year, higher gas prices are making shorter trips to national parks and theme parks the most desired travel destinations.”

Patch file photo