If you feel a little lighter in the wallet, there’s good reason. Last month was the most expensive January on record for gas prices, and experts say there’s no end in sight as fuel prices likely will push toward $4 a gallon by spring.  Last week, the current national average is $3.48 a gallon for regular grade gas. In New Jersey, that average is slightly lower at $3.42. In Toms River this week, prices are ranging from $3.38 to $3.45. Prices have been on the rise since late November and have steadily climbed through January, bucking longtime trends and defying conventional logic that pairs …

It is no secret that gas prices are on the rise across the nation. But locally, it seems like the margin between cash and credit prices at local stations is increasing as well. Add in several closed gas stations in recent months, and it's a tough time just to fill your tank. Several gas stations in Toms River and the surrounding area have switched from one price per gallon, to separate prices when paying by cash versus credit. These changes are not sudden and can be blamed on a low profit margin, according to Fred Rozell of the Wall Township-based Oil Price Information Service (OPIS).  Rozell…

Time for some ideas on how to save on your gas bill when boating. Spread these tips, or better yet, leave a comment below with your best money-saving fishing tip so we can all benefit and save some bucks. Make sure your prop is smooth. Propellor shop experts will tell you how to get the most performance out of your boat. Spend some short-term money on the best prop for your boat to save long term. Fish with a plan. Group your Loran/GPS numbers into a small area. Balance your boat. Keep your bow down by setting a universal ice chest at the front. Anytime there is too much weight in the stern, …

The price of a gallon of gasoline has been on a steady rise since October and one of the chief reasons that drivers are being squeezed is not increased demand, but increased profit, one expert said Monday. Wall Street speculation is among the leading reasons that gas prices have been on a steady increase for the last six months, said Ben Brockwell, an oil industry analyst with the Oil Price Information Service – an oil industry news service based on Route 138. “This is not a demand-driven rally (of increased prices),’’ said Brockwell, the oil news service' director of  pricing. “There’s a lot…

In recent months, sharply rising gasoline prices have forced Toms River residents to dig increasingly deeper into their pockets to fuel up their vehicles. In our already fragile economic “recovery,” these spiraling gas prices are putting increased strain on residents’ already tight budgets. However, one of the few bright spots to this unpleasant scenario for students and their parents is that the spike in pump prices hasn’t had a significant impact on the District’s school bus service – at least not yet. Toms River Regional's fleet of 167 buses purchases fuel through an interlocal agreement …