Cape May County Gas Prices Surge as Demand Rises

Prices jump 39% for regular gas and 45% for diesel in the last month

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:10am

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the rising fuel prices impacting Cape May County, New Jersey.Soaring fuel costs in a coastal resort community strain local budgets and economies.Cape May Today

Gas and diesel prices in Cape May County, New Jersey have skyrocketed in recent weeks, with regular gas prices jumping 39% and diesel prices rising 45% in the last month. The county has consistently maintained the highest fuel prices in the state, driven by factors like its distance from refineries, fewer gas stations, and increased seasonal demand from summer tourism.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in gas and diesel prices in Cape May County is a significant financial burden for residents, businesses, and visitors, impacting everything from commuting costs to the prices of goods and services. This trend highlights the county's vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and the challenges of maintaining affordable fuel access in a resort-driven coastal economy.

The details

According to the American Automobile Association, the average price of regular gas in Cape May County last week was $4.187, which is $0.135 higher than the state average. Diesel prices have seen an even steeper increase, rising 45% in the previous month to an average of $5.943 per gallon. The highest prices the county has experienced were in the summer of 2022, when regular gas hit $5.104 and diesel topped out at $6.296.

  • On February 28, Operation Epic Fury was initiated against Iran, complicating the fuel supply situation.
  • In the last month, regular gas prices in Cape May County have jumped 39%, from $3.007 to $4.187 as of April 2.

The players

American Automobile Association

A non-profit organization that provides travel-related services to its members, including data on gas prices across the United States.

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What’s next

As the summer tourism season approaches, there are concerns that fuel prices in Cape May County could continue to rise, further straining local businesses and residents. Policymakers may need to explore ways to increase fuel access and price competition in the region.

The takeaway

The skyrocketing gas and diesel prices in Cape May County highlight the unique challenges faced by resort-driven coastal economies, where factors like distance from refineries, limited competition, and seasonal demand can lead to significantly higher fuel costs for residents, businesses, and visitors. This trend underscores the need for innovative solutions to ensure affordable and reliable access to transportation fuels, especially as the impacts of global events continue to ripple through local communities.