Demand sends gas prices higher in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – Analysts say record demand heading into the Labor Day weekend sent gas prices up in New Jersey, but prices are expected to drop with the summer driving season over.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas Friday in New Jersey was $2.89, up three cents from last week. Motorists were paying $2.80 for gas in New Jersey at this time last year.

The national average gas price Friday was $2.85 a gallon, up a penny from last week. The national average a year ago was $2.67 a gallon.

Analysts say motorists can expect to see gas prices steadily decline with demand dropping and the switch to winter-blend gasoline, which is less expensive to produce.