On the road. Gas prices in New Jersey increase despite demand drop

Gas prices have increased in New Jersey and around the nation despite a sharp drop in demand.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $2.44, up six cents from a week ago.

Drivers were paying an average of $2.64 a gallon a year ago at this time.

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.30, up five cents from last week. Drivers were paying an average of $2.59 a gallon a year ago at this time.

Analysts call the situation unusual since low winter gas demand normally means the lowest prices of the year. But they say drivers could see even higher gas prices if crude prices stay above $50 per barrel, although increased confidence stemming from distribution of COVID-19 vaccines could increase demand at some point.

- The Associated Press