TRENTON, N.J. — Motorists continue to see higher prices at the pumps in New Jersey.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.72, up 4 cents from last week. That’s also much higher than it was a year ago, when motorists were paying $3.40.

Meanwhile, the national average price rose 4 cents and is now $3.93. That’s also much higher than the national average from a year ago, which was $3.61.

The price boost marks the seventeenth straight week that gas prices have risen in New Jersey.

Analysts say the rising prices are mostly due to continuing tensions in the Middle East, along with continued signs of an improving U.S. economy.