Guess How Much Pennsylvania Gas Prices Will Jump By Summer

By summer, Pennsylvania drivers are expected to pay a lot more to get where they need to go.

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

AAA expects Pennsylvania's average this summer to exceed $2.88 for a gallon of regular unleaded. The average for Pennsylvania is currently $2.48.

“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.

And for those living or working near New Jersey: Don't expect much of a reprieve there, either.

Gas prices are also expected to jump 40 cents a gallon in the Garden State, where Gov. Chris Christie signed a controversial 23-cent gas tax into law last fall.

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.

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