Manchester's Average Gas Price Drops, NJ Tops National Average

Gas prices locally continue their downward trend, as the average for a gallon of regular in Manchester and Lakehurst is now $3.50, down 5 cents from last week.

The continued drop comes on the heels of President Barack Obama’s recent decision to release oil from the U.S. strategic reserves, a move that pushed the price of a barrel of oil below $95 on Friday.

Nationally speaking, the American motorist is spending an average of $3.60 for a gallon of regular as of Friday morning, according to AAA. 

For the first time since Manchester Patch began monitoring local gas prices, the average price for a gallon of gas in New Jersey is higher than the national average, as the state average on Friday morning is $3.63, also according to AAA.

As you prepare to fill up for the weekend, don’t get stuck paying more than you have to.  Check out what local stations are charging before hitting the road.

• – Route 37 and Commonwealth Boulevard in Manchester: $3.49 regular, $3.69 plus, $3.79 premium.
•  – Route 37 and Route 70 circle, Lakehurst: $3.51 regular, $3.75 plus, $3.87 premium.
• – Route 70 and Route 547 (Center Street), Lakehurst: $3.57 regular, $3.67 plus, $3.97 premium.
• – Route 70 and Route 539, Manchester: $3.48 regular, $3.58 plus, $3.68 premium.
• Jersey Gas – Route 530 and Station Road, Whiting: Cash: $3.45 regular, $3.55 plus, $3.65 premium. Credit: $3.51 regular, $3.61 plus, $3.71 premium.
• Quick Chek – Route 70 and Route 571, Manchester: $3.49 regular, $3.69 plus, $3.79 premium.

As of press time Jersey Gas is the only station charging a separate price for cash and credit. For figuring out the local average, Jersey Gas was calculated at $3.48, the average price for a gallon regular purchased from Jersey Gas.