AAA Mid-Atlantic: NJ Gas Prices Up Sharply

Motorists are seeing sharply higher prices at the pumps in New Jersey.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.25, up 8 cents from last week. That's also much higher than it was a year ago, when motorists were paying

$3.00.

Meanwhile, the national average price also rose 8 cents and is now $3.35. That's also much higher than the national average from a year ago, which was $3.08.

The price boosts mark the fifth straight week that prices have risen nationally and in New Jersey. Experts say the hikes are mainly due to higher crude oil prices.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)