Fourth of July Gas Prices Fall in Atlantic County, But Drivers Still Paying More Than Last Year

Fourth of July weekend is almost here, and while Atlantic County drivers are still paying more at the pump than they were last year, there is some relief compared to Memorial Day.

The current average price for a gallon of regular gas in Atlantic City is $3.89, according to AAA spokesperson Tracy Noble. Statewide, New Jersey’s average for regular unleaded sits at $3.84 per gallon, down from $3.92 a week ago and $4.36 a month ago.

In Cape May County, drivers can expect to pay a bit more . The average  is $4.03 per gallon, reflecting the tourist factor that tends to push shore area prices above regional and statewide figures. Still, drivers are paying significantly more than this time last year, when the Atlantic City average was $3.14 per gallon.

For drivers opting for mid-grade, the current New Jersey statewide average is $4.46 per gallon, down from $4.54 a week ago and $4.90 a month ago.

Premium is averaging $4.75 statewide, compared to $4.82 a week ago and $5.19 a month ago. Diesel drivers are seeing an average of $4.90 per gallon, down from $4.99 a week ago and $5.43 a month ago.

Prices have been falling steadily since around May 22nd, dropping roughly a penny a day, and Noble says that trend should continue through the holiday weekend. Gas stations have already paid for the fuel currently in their tanks, so a price spike just because of the holiday is unlikely.

Despite the higher year-over-year costs, the roads are still expected to be packed. Nearly 2 million New Jersey residents are projected to travel for the Fourth of July holiday, with 82% or about 1.6 million people driving to their destination.

For those looking to save at the pump, Noble recommends using the AAA app’s fuel price finder to locate the cheapest gas near home and along your route. She also advises sticking to regular unleaded unless your vehicle specifically requires premium, driving the speed limit, avoiding hard acceleration and sudden braking, and using cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed and improve fuel efficiency.

Drivers should also remove any unnecessary weight from their vehicles and make sure tires are properly inflated. This is important during the summer heat, when over- or under-inflated tires can increase the risk of a blowout. AAA updates its regional gas price data daily, and drivers can also check GasPrices.AAA.com for current averages by area.

Noble also reminded drivers to stay focused on the road, limit distractions, and follow New Jersey’s Move Over law, which requires motorists to slow down and move over for emergency workers and disabled motorists on the shoulder. She urged everyone not to drive impaired.

“We just want everybody to enjoy the holiday and get home safely,” Noble said.

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