NJ Gas Prices Buck National Trend

The price at the pump may be on the rise nationwide, but not for New Jersey drivers.

AAA Mid-Atlantic reports US gas prices have risen to a 6-month high over the past week, ending at $3.53 per gallon.  That's $0.02 more than the price the week before.

But the Garden State average dropped a penny last week to end at $3.37 per gallon.  Burlington County came in with the lowest prices at $3.33, while the Trenton area topped the list at $3.41.

A year ago, the national average stood at $3.69, while New Jersey's price was $3.51.  Analysts say scheduled refinery maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blended gasoline is to blame for annual spring price hikes.