According to most experts and elected officials, the recent spike in gas prices is a result of rampant Wall Street speculation and instability in the Middle East.

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There has also been a drop in gasoline demand over the past year, which slowed production and hiked prices.

Unfortunately, according to Cathleen Lewis of AAA New Jersey Automobile Club, most motorists can not cut back on gasoline.

"You need to drive to work," Lewis continued. "Work is three miles away or 30 miles away; you can't fix that."

For that reason, she offered motorists some tips to make sure their vehicles get better fuel mileage.

She advised drivers to keep their cars properly maintained.

"A tune-up will really help. It'll save money," she continued.

Also, motorists should make sure their vehicles' tries are properly inflated. Lewis said tires should be checked any time the weather changes ten degrees. In New Jersey, however, that would be several times a week.

Lastly, she suggested removing any heavy items from the vehicles.

She explained, "The lighter your car is, the better it moves."

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Lewis' comments came during a visit Monday to the EOS Energy Storage facility in Edison. She was joined by New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, EOS CEO Michael Oster, Edison Mayor Antonia Ricigliano and Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan.

Pallone called for an "all of the above" approach to American energy production to protect consumers from rising prices at the pump.

"Middle class families in New Jersey and across the country are spending more and more money at the pump because of soaring gas prices," Pallone said. "That's why I am advocating an all-out approach to developing all American energy sources, so we are not held hostage by the ups and downs of the world oil market."

He said the "all of the above" approach includes expanding domestic production, creating more fuel and energy efficiency, and further investment in alternative fuels.

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