Motorists continue to see higher prices at the pumps in New Jersey.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.55, up 5 cents from last week. That's also much higher than it was a year ago, when motorists were paying $3.09.

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Meanwhile, the national average price rose 12 cents and is now $3.65. That's also much higher than the national average from a year ago, which was $3.23.

The price boost marks the twelfth straight week that gas prices have risen in New Jersey and that trend will likely continue into the spring according to AAA Mid-Atlantic analysis of prices.

“Analysts anticipate the Mid-Atlantic region will be a hot spot for gasoline prices in the coming weeks and months, a ‘crude awakening’ for motorists who continue to endure pain at the pump,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “The next 60 days will prove extremely volatile for gas prices in the region, following the idling of two Philadelphia area refineries in recent weeks and the threat of another closure this summer. Prices at the pump are likely headed to $4.00 per gallon in the coming weeks, which does not bode well for motorists who have already had to deal with two months of record setting gas prices to start the year.”

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

 

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