Gas prices climb as summer travel season kicks into high gear

Drivers can usually expect gas prices to jump during the summer travel season. These days, those higher prices have kicked in a little sooner because of the conflict in Eastern Europe.
As of Sunday night, the national average reached an all-time high of $4.84 per gallon of regular.
Right here in New Jersey, the price was just shy of $5 statewide at $4.96. However, some stations had already hit the $5 mark.
As prices continue to rise, New Jersey is set to hit $5 a gallon this week.
Just a week ago Sunday, motorists were paying $4.75. A month ago, it was down almost 45 cents as residents paid $4.31 per gallon. At this time a year ago, they were only paying $3 at the pump for regular.
So what are drivers to do to try and save some of their hard-earned money?
Paramus resident Mark Cioffi said he drives as little as possible and hitches a ride with friends whenever he can.
“If my friends are around, I try to catch a ride with them,” Cioffi said.
Dawn Gibson, of Roselle, said nothing can be done.
“We need to get from place to place,” Gibson said. “You just have to go out and try to find the cheapest gas station and fill up there.”