Watch CBS News

Low Gas Prices In New Jersey Spark Debate Over Gas Tax Increase

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) --  As gas prices keep plummeting, drivers are smiling.

According to GasBuddy, after staying flat most of last week, the average price in New Jersey dropped another 4 cents this week to $1.79 per gallon, with many South Jersey stations even lower.

Cheap gas equals a better bottom line for businesses that require lots of driving.

"We go from New York all the way back down to Camden, so definitely it plays a factor," contractor Fred Ham told Eyewitness News.

"I commute 200 miles per day. I'm a courier and this helps me a lot," Terry Baucum said.

Part of the reason gas is so cheap in New Jersey is the gas tax.

At 14 and a half cents per gallon, it's second only to alaska as the lowest gas tax in the country.

Some lawmakers suggest raising the gas tax to replenish the decimated transportation trust fund for road repairs.

Polls last year showed most New Jerseyians opposed raising the tax, but could even lower gas prices change their minds?

"Yeah we're just going to leave that flat, just keep the prices low," Ham said.

"I don't mind that cause like I said commuting, I was getting wheel alignments like every six months," Baucum said, referring to the conditions of some New Jersey roads.

"I do a lot of driving in New Jersey and the roads really are horrific," seconded Jennifer Kent, of Hamilton.

Democrats in Trenton say increasing the gas tax is inevitable while Governor Christie has refused any new taxes without deeper spending cuts.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.