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Gas Prices Remain Above $2 in PA

MONROE COUNTY — The national average price for gasoline is projected to drop below $2 a gallon this week. States neighboring Pennsylvania are already belo...

MONROE COUNTY -- The national average price for gasoline is projected to drop below $2 a gallon this week. States neighboring Pennsylvania are already below that price.

But not here. We're really starting to see the impact of the increase in fuel taxes in the state. Our prices at the pump are among the highest in the nation.

We found gas prices just across the Delaware River in New Jersey below $2 a gallon, some as low as $1.84.

None of us has seen prices this low in six years, but Pennsylvanians have to travel to take advantage of the lower prices.

"A lot cheaper, a lot cheaper," said Paul Ciuzio of Mount Pocono.

"Oh, it's unbelievable, cheaper," said Heidi Penland.

Take a look at this map:

gas_prices_map

The 24 highlighted states now have gas averaging below $2 a gallon. Pennsylvania is not one of them.

New Jersey is, drawing plenty of PA drivers.

"Oh, they're much cheaper. They're about 50 to 60 cents cheaper than over there," said Stephanie Rodriguez of East Stroudsburg.

In fact, Pennsylvania now ranks among the top five of the most expensive prices per gallon in the lower 48 states.

gas prices in states

The average here is $2.31 a gallon, trailing only California, New York, Vermont and Connecticut.

Pennsylvania enacted a higher fuel tax last year to help pay for road and bridge repairs.

"I think they always have some kind of excuse. All I know is, I do it over here because it really saves a lot," said Heidi Penland of Martins Creek.

"It should definitely be the same price. It's definitely not fair," complained Pooja Kothari of Bethlehem.

The tax hike impacting Pennsylvania gas prices will be phased in each year. The latest increase just went into effect January 1. Drivers here didn't notice it much because prices nationwide were falling.

"Well, there you go, we have to catch back up with them, right?" said Kevin MacIntire of East Stroudsburg when told most of the country was below $2.

But he understands Pennsylvania needs money for road repairs.

"We definitely need these roads fixed, so if that's what it takes to do it, I hope they get it done."

AAA says gas prices across the country have fallen 113 straight days. The U.S. average is $1.22 cheaper than it was one year ago today and experts expect it to continue to fall.

To find the cheapest gas near you, check out WNEP's Gas Tracker.

Click here to see AAA's list of gas prices by state.

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