Plan to stop for gas along the New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway? Prepare to pay more at the pump.
As of 7 a.m. Friday, motorists can expect to tack on another 17 cents for the price of a regular gallon of gas in New Jersey. The price for plus and premium gas went up 15 cents.
"I can't wait to pay more ... can't wait," quipped one frustrated driver.
Analysts say the violent government uprising in Libya is behind the spike in oil prices that's driving retail gas prices even higher. And drivers must foot the bill for the replacement fuel that costs gas station owners more -- a situation some infuriated motorists call "out of control."
Although the United States depends on a small amount of oil from Libya, continued fighting in the African country could only continue to limit their gas production, adding up to severe financial consequences for tri-state drivers.
Gas prices are highest in the New York metro area, where a gallon of regular fuel rises to $3.69 today, according to AAA. Prices are only slightly lower in Bridgeport, Conn., where a regular gallon of gas costs $3.66. In Bergen and Passaic counties in New Jersey, that same gallon costs $3.27.
Nationally, the current average for a regular gallon is $3.43.
"It's getting ridiculous," griped one New Jersey motorist. "They're talking about $4 or $5 by summer. Where are we going?"
For some tri-state residents, they won't be going far -- at least not in their cars.
