TOMS RIVER, NJ – Gas prices across the Jersey Shore edged higher this weekend, and while in some places along the shore, prices reached $5 per gallon for regular unleaded the average gas price across the state was $4.76 according to GasBuddy.com.
Despite the sharp increase in fueling up their cars, Americans are expected to travel more miles this summer than in the past two years.
According to GasBuddy, even with record-high gasoline prices, 58% of Americans intend to road trip this summer, a rise from last summer, when gas prices were nearly $1.50 per gallon lower. While the high prices may not stand in the way of Americans’ summer travel plans, nearly two-thirds have yet to confirm their plans, with 38% saying that high inflation is leading to difficulty in planning summer trips.
“The average gas price in the U.S. recently topped $4.50 per gallon following a short reprieve in April, but has recently reached new all-time highs. Record-breaking gas prices and general inflation are affecting Americans’ desire to travel with only a one percentage point increase in travel intent year over year, and still 18% lower than 2019’s pre-pandemic level,” GasBuddy said in the report. “Gas prices on Memorial Day weekend are forecast to be about $4.60 per gallon, a 51% increase from last year. GasBuddy expects the average price from Memorial Day to Labor Day to be $4.40 per gallon nationally, though significant events could raise or lower the outcome. “
Gas prices at the Jersey Shore remain among the highest in the nation according to the GasBuddy.com gas price heat map.
Gas prices have officially doubled since President Joe Biden took office in January of 2021. On Inauguration day the national average price per gallon was $2.37. The average gas price in Ocean County this weekend was $4.75.