HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday marked one year and seven months since a photo was taken at the Wawa on Route 33 in Hamilton Township, Mercer County showing gasoline prices. On November 8, 2020, a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.17 and now on June 7, 2022, $4.97 with a 129% increase over time. Even worse is Diesel fuel with a with a 142% increase on November 8, 2020, diesel fuel was $2.43 per gallon and now $5.89 per gallon.

There is no end in sight for relief of gasoline or diesel fuel prices as crude oil is trading higher.

Crude Oil is currently trading at $121.51 per barrel compared to $37.14 per barrel in November of 2020. Some experts predict that crude oil will trade between $140 and $150 per barrel soon. Prices trade higher as supply decreases as demand increases.

A new poll by AAA Travel finds travelers making big plans to get away this summer despite the highest gas prices in years. In fact, 70% of residents polled across twelve states and the District of Columbia say they are planning to travel as much – or MORE – this summer than last summer, and many say it will be their first significant summer travel since before the pandemic.

“The results of this new AAA Travel poll indicate that COVID concerns have eased dramatically and the majority residents are making plans to get away despite gas prices,” says AAA Travel spokesperson Amy Short. “While domestic travel will dominate, it is interesting to note the number of people making plans to travel internationally as well. That’s something we have not seen since 2019.”

About 60 percent of those surveyed say they are planning at least one trip – with more than 40 percent saying they are planning multiple trips.

More than 40% of those surveyed say gas prices were not even a consideration in their travel planning but:

Of those who say they are staying home or are unsure about their summer travel plans, more than 40 percent cite gas prices as the biggest factor influencing that decision.

Of the significant number of residents planning to travel more this summer than last:

With gas prices increasing to near record highs, AAA is warning motorists that gasoline theft may be on the rise at well – and it could cost vehicle owners far more than the expense of replacing stolen fuel. That’s because, on newer cars, thieves are unable to simply siphon the gas from the fuel tank, so they opt for drilling a hole in the fuel tank instead.

“Newer vehicles have a ‘roll-over’ valve between the fuel tank and filler neck intended to prevent gas from spilling out, to lessen the chance of a fire, in the event of a rollover. But that same valve also makes siphoning gas much more difficult,” says Jim Lardear, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA. “So, thieves seeking the path of least resistance now access the fuel by drilling directly into the tank.”

And, a small hole in your fuel tank can mean a much larger hole in your wallet. Fuel tank repairs can cost as much as $1,000 to replace.

Damage to the fuel tank may – or may not – be covered by insurance, depending on your policy.

“For those who have comprehensive coverage, the damage would qualify as vandalism,” says Sonia Medina, spokesperson for AAA Insurance. “But, of course, not everyone has comprehensive coverage.”

AAA encourages vehicle owners to talk to their insurance advisors to ensure they have adequate coverage.

AAA offers the following tips to protect against gasoline theft:

AAA recommends looking for the following signs if you suspect gas theft:

AAA recommends victims of gas theft that may have damaged the vehicle:

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