TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gas prices dipped in New Jersey and around the nation as gas inventories increased even as crude oil inventories decreased.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $2.90, down two cents from a week ago. Drivers were paying an average of $2.11 a gallon a year ago at this time.

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.86, down a penny from last week. Drivers were paying an average of $1.89 a gallon a year ago at this time.

Analysts say gasoline demand is expected to increase throughout the month as weather turns warmer and COVID-19 vaccinations become more widely available, so prices at the pump are expected to continue to fluctuate throughout the spring season.