Chatham Gas Prices Near Highest In New Jersey

CHATHAM, NJ — The cheapest gas reported around Chatham was still a few cents a gallon more than the New Jersey state average of $4.41 reported by AAA on Thursday.

Gas prices shot up by 65 cents per gallon on average in one week across New Jersey, outpacing the national hike of 57 cents in a week, and Chatham's prices kept close pace with the highest in New Jersey.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Chatham area shot from $3.76 to $4.41 in that span, according to AAA. New Jersey Gas Prices reported the cheapest gas in Chatham was at Exxon at 621 Shunpike Road and Southern Boulevard, where regular unlead was selling for $4.46 a gallon early on Thursday. Prices were climbing, the site reported.

Other "low" prices around Chatham were reported at Shell at 255 Green Village Road and Shunpike Road for $4.59 a gallon, and for the same price at Shell at 111 Main Street and Minton Avenue, according to New Jersey Gas Prices.

Gas Buddy reported the cheapest gas to be had in the state was at a Sunoco station in East Hanover for $3.89 a gallon. The highest price reported statewide early Thursday morning was at an Exxon in Bedford at 505 US and 206 S near Hills Drive, where "mama mama" told Gas Buddy the price was $6.79 a gallon. But in the midst of rising prices at the pump, there are several ways to save.

The volatility of the oil trade has increased prices at the pump throughout, but data from AAA, which monitors local prices, shows how much it's changed, with county maps and other comparisons.

AAA reported the average price across the state for regular unleaded was $4.379 a gallon on Thursday, up from $4.328 on Wednesday, and $3.754 one week ago. A month ago the same gallon of unleaded regular was $3.552. One year ago, the price was $2.901, meaning gas today is a whopping $1.478 a gallon more.

Midgrade, premium, and diesel gasoline prices showed very similar increases over those periods of time, according to AAA.

Of course, the best way to save on gas is simply to avoid getting behind the wheel — bike, take other means of transit, or carpool. Some may even suggest buying a more efficient vehicle. While those aren't bad suggestions, they're not always an option for many people. So here are some other ways to save if you need to drive:

Search for the cheapest stations near you. Drivers can save by using apps and websites to find the cheapest gas near them, including GasBuddy and Waze.

If you want to burn gas by driving for cheaper gas, here are a few less expensive options for a regular gallon of gas as of Thursday morning, according to GasBuddy:

• Fuel 10 in Randolph (738 NJ-10 W and Dover Chester Road): $4.17
• Delta in Mine Hill (246 US-46 W near William Street): $4.19
• Gulf in Kenvil (747 US-46 W and Hercules Road): $4.25

Look for the cheapest gas stations along any routes you normally drive, The Penny Hoarder suggests. And don't wait until your tank is near empty when you'll need to fill up wherever's closest.

It's helpful to schedule your fill-up. The day of the week you get gas could make a major difference, but the precise day is up for debate.

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Wednesday is typically the best day to fill up for less, as prices tend to rise on Thursdays before weekend travel, automotive expert Lauren Fix told GEICO.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis analyzed gas prices in its metro area from October 2015 to March 2016. The study found prices were lowest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and highest on Fridays and Saturdays. Tuesday's gas was 8 cents per gallon cheaper than Friday's.

A 2019 GasBuddy analysis found Mondays and Tuesdays were the best days to save. Any way you slice it, getting gas earlier in the week seems to yield better results than saving fill-ups for the weekends.

Pay with cash. While gas prices may be outside of your control, you can still carry cash. Some stations charge less for cash because they save on credit-card fees.

Join a rewards program. Many gas station chains offer fuel-rewards programs. So do some grocery stores — buy groceries, then redeem for gas. GEICO also suggests checking gift-card resale sites. You may, for example, find a gas card worth $100 for $90.

Don't top it off. Stop pumping when you hear the first click, GEICO suggests. In the case of people in New Jersey, where self-service isn't available (yet), make sure your attendant follows this rule.
Read more: NJ Self-Serve Gas Bill Is About Choice, Assemblymember Says

Those extra squeezes are likely to splash out or evaporate, according to the insurance company. Screwing the gas cap back until it clicks ensures fuel won't escape as fumes.
Follow the 10-second rule. Don't idle. Idling drains your tank by a quarter- to a half-gallon per hour, whereas restarting only takes 10 seconds' worth of gas, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Even in the winter, there's little need to spend time "warming up" the engine before driving, according to GEICO. Most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after 30 seconds, the company says.

Josh Bakan reported this story's tips on saving on gas. Marlene Lang reported local information for Chatham and New Jersey.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for saving on gas? Comment below.
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