Drivers in New Jersey, around nation see higher gas prices

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Drivers in New Jersey and across the nation were feeling some pain at the pump over the Independence Day holiday as gas prices jumped five to 15 cents per gallon in recent weeks.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $2.81, up four cents from last week. That's still below the average $2.89 at this time last year.

The national average gas price Friday was $2.75 a gallon, up five cents from last week but well below the average of $2.86 at this time last year.

Analysts attribute the price rise to various factors such as higher crude oil prices, decreased supply, increased demand, and the announced closure in Philadelphia of the largest oil refinery on the East Coast.