Are You Overpaying For Gas In South Orange?

South Orange, NJ - Garden State motorists should expect some variation in gas prices depending on their hometown… but by almost half a dollar per gallon?

According to GasBuddy, a fuel comparison website that compares prices across the nation, vehicle owners in several New Jersey towns are paying significantly more for each trip to the pumps than they should.

The website analyzed the average spreads between the highest and lowest-priced gas stations in towns across America, finding that several areas had differences that can make a significant dent in your budget.

For example, in Edison-New Brunswick and Parsippany-Troy Hills – which tied for the top slot on New Jersey’s list – consumers are faced with a whopping 51 cent spread per gallon between the highest and lowest-priced gas stations.

Read more about the study here.

Other New Jersey towns that ranked high on the list include:

• Jersey City – 48 cents per gallon
• Newark – 45 cents per gallon
• Ocean-Monmouth County – 45 cents per gallon
• Trenton – 41 cents per gallon
• Atlantic City – 37 cents per gallon
• Camden – 34 cents per gallon
• Warren County – 23 cents per gallon
• Cape May – 21 cents per gallon
• Vineland – 19 cents per gallon

See the full list of towns here.

“The spread is more significant in certain areas due to a number of factors like competition and geographic location,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. “Analyzing the data GasBuddy has collected through the years, we noticed some commonalities amongst the cities ranked the highest: they tend to be sprawling with a major connecting highway running through them. Additionally, they have the presence of a large warehouse retailer in the market. The good news for drivers in these areas is that there are opportunities to save money if you know where to look and choose to shop wisely.”

With the average sedan’s tank at about 18.5 gallons, a smart fill-up could save Edison-New Brunswick and Parsippany-Troy Hills drivers about $9.44 each time.

Overall, New Jersey gas stations averaged about $2.11 per gallon as of June 23, GasBuddy reported.

Check out the below gas price locator to find the “cheapest” fuel prices in your area, courtesy of Mapquest.

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File Photo: Anthony Inswasty, Wikimedia Commons