Gas prices increase in NJ, around nation with higher demand

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Gas prices increased in New Jersey and around the nation amid increased demand before the holidays.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $2.32, up four cents from week. Drivers were paying an average of $2.55 a gallon a year ago at this time.

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.21, up five cents from last week. Drivers were paying an average of $2.55 a gallon a year ago at this time.

Analysts say higher crude oil prices also were a factor in the increase “since the price of oil makes up over half of the cost of gasoline.”