New Jersey gas hits $5 a gallon as Philadelphia prices surge to $5.08

TRENTON, N.J. - Summer travel is in full swing, but drivers still won't find any relief at the pump across the Delaware Valley.

New Jersey gas hit another record high Tuesday with prices averaging $5.01 a gallon, up 3 cents overnight and 24 cents from last week.

In Philadelphia, gas prices have been sitting above $5 since last week as the average surged to $5.08 overnight.

However, Pennsylvania prices barely remain below the $5 mark at $4.98 a gallon. The state's average is up 22 cents from last week.

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Fishtown resident, Lauren Dunn says she now has to budget for gas as the prices climb. 

"It's definitely making an impact," Dunn said. "I really have to start budgeting and really think about how much I'm gonna save for gas." 

The lowest prices in the Delaware Valley can be found in Delaware, where gas stands at $4.93 a gallon.

The national gas average is up 5 cents overnight reaching $4.91 a gallon.

AAA says there are several factors affecting the price of gas. 

Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic, says the price of crude oil is one of the biggest factors that go into the price of gas. She says 50 to 60% of that gallon is made up of crude oil, so when the price of crude oil goes up, so does the gas. 

"Make sure you keep up with oil and filter changes," Tidwell said. "Make sure your tires are properly inflated, so those small things, believe it or not, help your vehicle operate at max fuel efficiency."

In addition to servicing your vehicle properly, AAA says clearing your vehicle of clutter, like golf clubs or sporting equipment will lighten the load, making your vehicle more fuel efficient.