Gas Prices Surge Past $5 in South Jersey

Drivers in Atlantic County already seeing premium fuel over $5.45 per gallon as oil prices spike

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:26am

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An abstract illustration featuring overlapping triangles and circles in shades of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the volatility and impact of rising gas prices on the local community.As gas prices surge, South Jersey drivers face the growing financial burden of fueling their vehicles.Pleasantville Today

Gas prices in South Jersey have spiked sharply in recent weeks, with some stations in Atlantic County already charging over $5.45 per gallon for premium fuel. This comes as oil prices have jumped more than 10% in a single day, a trend that experts say will continue to drive up prices at the pump across the region.

Why it matters

The rapid rise in gas prices is putting a significant financial strain on South Jersey residents, many of whom rely heavily on driving for their daily commutes and errands. This is especially true for those with vehicles that require premium fuel, who are now facing the prospect of paying close to $100 to fill up their tanks.

The details

On April 1st, one gas station on Tilton Road in Egg Harbor Township was already charging $5.47 per gallon for premium fuel, with the next highest grade costing an additional two cents. This price hike comes just a month after gas was under $3 per gallon in the state. Experts attribute the surge to a sharp 10% increase in oil prices on Thursday, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming weeks.

  • In June 2022, gas prices in Cape May County reached $5.19 per gallon.
  • Two years ago, one gas station in Pleasantville, NJ charged nearly $6 per gallon for no apparent reason.
  • As of March 31, 2026, the average price for regular gas in New Jersey was $3.927 per gallon, up over $1 from a month prior.

The players

Chris Coleman

A South Jersey native and cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998, serving as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3.

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What they’re saying

“Experts offer some easy ways for you to save gas. We've heard many of these before, but here's a quick list from AAA: Slow down and drive the speed limit; use cruise control, If your vehicle has Eco mode, use it, Avoid "jackrabbit" starts and hard acceleration, Avoid extended idling, When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early to coast to the stop line, Minimize your use of air conditioning, Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car, AAA has found that unless premium fuel is recommended or required by your car's manufacturer, it provides no added benefit.”

— AAA

What’s next

As gas prices continue to rise, drivers in South Jersey will need to carefully monitor their fuel consumption and explore ways to save money at the pump. The judge overseeing any potential legal action against the gas stations charging exorbitant prices will also be closely watched.

The takeaway

The sharp spike in gas prices across South Jersey is putting a major financial strain on residents, particularly those with vehicles that require premium fuel. This highlights the vulnerability of the region's transportation infrastructure to global oil market fluctuations and the need for long-term solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.