gasoline

New Jersey drivers have enjoyed relatively cheap gasoline thanks to low taxes. But that changed on Tuesday when the state's gas tax jumped 23 cents a gallon. Station owners fear they'll lose business.

A study by AAA found 16.5 million Americans buy premium gas when their cars don't need it. Director of Automotive Engineering Greg Brannon says drivers waste money when they unnecessarily use premium.

Oil prices are falling, down sharply since mid-June to just over $45 a barrel. That has affected gasoline prices, now down to an average of $2.65 a gallon, about 85 cents less than a year ago.

Falling oil prices haven't boosted economic growth as much as expected. That's partly because consumers have chosen to pay down debt and save some of the windfall rather than spend it all.

The prices that gas stations charge for fuel can vary widely. Smaller, independent stations are able to sell the cheapest gas because they undercut competitors by buying unbranded gasoline.