Gas Prices Dip Below $2 In Some Places In NJ
By Diana Rocco
MEDFORD, N.J., (CBS) – Drivers in New Jersey are getting a break on gas, with some places offering gas at less than $2 a gallon.
"I think it's great. It's a cool deal," said driver Joe Kelley.
Filling up the gas tank Monday night feels like a deal where a handful of South Jersey stations have dropped prices below $2. Trouble with the world markets is actually putting money back in Joe Kelley's pocket when it comes to his weekly gas budget.
"It's $60, $70 if the price is high," said Kelley.
(Reporter:) "And tonight?"
"Thirteen dollars," said Kelley.
This is the second time this year South Jersey drivers are seeing prices this low, but this time it's been in an eight-week decline, falling faster than it has in 30 years. Instability in the world market has pushes the cost of crude oil below $40 a barrel.
"Oh it's great. I just told them $30 regular not expecting to get change back," said driver Bill Hadwen.
(Reporter:) "When was the last time that happened?"
"I must have been 18," said Hadwen. "A long time."
"I just drove up on it not expecting to see $1.95 and I'm pretty shocked, but I don't know if it has anything to do with my mutual funds that aren't maybe in my account now," said driver Mike Panati.
While not every station can go so low, a Medford Petro manager says the market and competition from other gas stations is forcing him to offer the lowest prices in the state for cash buyers. That's $1.95 for a gallon of regular.
"Whatever price we give, they still want lower than that," said manager Askin Shah.
Happy customers are returning customers. New Jersey drivers are gladly shelling out the cash.
"Tonight I'm hoping to get a full tank on $20," said driver Mary Ann Brusco.
And after years of pain at the pump, thankful for a little relief.
"It's a lot better than paying $4, close to what we were doing what a year ago?" said Brusco.
March was the last time South Jersey drivers saw prices this low. Analysts are only predicting that prices will continue to fall.
