US Gas Prices Rise Toward 5 Dollars Per Gallon

Gasoline prices are climbing across the United States, with the national average reaching $4.46 per gallon and New Jersey averaging $4.53 as of May 14, 2026. Experts warn that prices may reach $5 per gallon by Memorial Day if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed because of the war with the Government of Iran.

To mitigate these costs, analysts recommend behavioral changes such as reducing driving speed, avoiding heavy braking and acceleration, and maintaining proper tire pressure. Drivers are also advised to remove unnecessary weight from their vehicles and minimize idling to increase fuel efficiency.

Consumers can further reduce expenses by using fuel-tracking applications from GasBuddy or Seven-Eleven to find lower prices. Additional savings are available through Amazon Prime membership discounts and by crossing state borders to avoid high regional taxes, such as Pennsylvania's gas tax of approximately 58 cents per gallon.