TRENTON, N.J. – Over the past decade, New Jersey gas prices have moved through three distinct phases—Trump’s first term, the Biden years, and the current Trump administration. The contrast reveals how sharply fuel costs diverged depending on the broader economic and financial and energy environment.
_
The numbers (New Jersey averages)
- Trump I (2017–2020): about $2.46 per gallon
- Biden (2021–2024): about $3.61 per gallon
- Trump II (2025–2026 YTD): about $3.20–$3.35 per gallon
At a glance
Average NJ Gas Prices ($/gallon)
Trump I (2017–2020) | ████████████ $2.46
Biden (2021–2024) | ██████████████████ $3.61
Trump II (2025–2026) | ███████████████ ~$3.28
What the data shows
The lowest and most stable gas prices of the past decade occurred during Trump’s first term. For consumers, that period reflected relatively unchanging energy costs, supported in part by strong domestic production and the absence of major global supply shocks. Even with the 2020 pandemic-related demand collapse, the overall four-year average remained well below subsequent levels.
By contrast, the Biden years saw a pronounced and sustained increase in fuel costs. Prices surged in 2022 amid a global energy shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with New Jersey briefly approaching the $5 per gallon mark. While prices moderated somewhat afterward, they remained elevated compared to pre-2021 levels.
The current Trump administration (2025–2026) has seen partial relief from those highs. Prices have retreated from peak volatility, though they have not yet fully returned to the lower baseline seen in the late 2010s.
Why New Jersey feels these swings more
New Jersey’s pricing structure tends to amplify national and global trends:
- Relatively high fuel taxes compared to many states
- Limited in-state refining capacity
- Dependence on globally priced refined fuel
- Seasonal blend requirements that increase summer costs
As a result, national energy shocks tend to show up quickly—and visibly—at New Jersey pumps.
Interpreting the comparison
The three-period breakdown highlights a clear pattern:
- Trump I: lowest-cost, relatively stable energy environment for consumers
- Biden: sharp increase in prices driven by global disruption and sustained inflationary pressure
- Trump II: partial stabilization and easing from peak levels, though not a full return to pre-2020 pricing
Bottom line
For New Jersey drivers, the contrast is plain.
The Trump I period is notable as a time of comparatively lower and steadier fuel costs. The Biden years represented a sustained increase in what consumers paid at the pump. The current Trump administration has seen some moderation from those highs, but prices remain above the pre-pandemic baseline.
In practical terms, the decade shows a clear inflection point: gasoline in New Jersey became more expensive after 2020, and has only partially retraced since.
