New jersey drivers shocked over $6. 28 gas price at this route 35 station

New Jersey Drivers Shocked Over $6.28 Gas Price at this Route 35 Station

Posted by
1 min read
March 23, 2026

Drivers stunned by sky-high prices, but then realized something wasn’t right.

Middletown, NJ – A gas station displaying prices topping $6 per gallon is grabbing attention along Route 35 in Middletown, but drivers pulling a double-take are quickly learning the pumps aren’t real. The newly built station, which appeared seemingly overnight, is actually a movie set constructed at the former Circle Liquor Store site.

The unusually high posted prices—well above current New Jersey averages—sparked confusion among motorists already dealing with rising fuel costs across the state. But the location is not operational, and no fuel is being sold.

Instead, the site has been transformed into a detailed film set as part of an ongoing production involving MRC and Truck Stop Productions. Local officials have not released details about the film, including its cast or storyline.


Key Points

  • $6 per gallon gas prices spotted in Middletown are part of a movie set
  • Location is the former Circle Liquor Store site on Route 35
  • Filming is expected to continue through late June

Movie set built rapidly, draws attention

The temporary gas station was constructed quickly and designed to appear fully functional, complete with signage and fuel pricing that has surprised passing drivers. The realism of the set has led to confusion, with some residents initially believing it was a new business opening amid rising fuel costs.

The site sits in a well-known local area, sometimes referred to by residents as the “evil clown” lot, adding to the curiosity surrounding the sudden transformation.

Filming underway with limited details

Production crews are expected to remain on-site through late June, after which the set will be removed and the property returned to its previous state. Authorities have not disclosed specifics about the project, and the area remains closed to the public during filming.

Officials are reminding residents that the site is an active set and that trespassing is prohibited.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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