A 23-cent gas tax increase went into effect Tuesday in New Jersey, making what was once the lowest gas tax in the country one of the highest.

While there is nothing New Jersey residents can do about the price of fuel, News 12 New Jersey's Walt Kane says that there are some ways residents can protect themselves from being cheated at the gas pump.

Gas station customers should check that all the prices match at the station. The price on the large sign should match the price on the pump, which should also match the price on the pump's digital display.

Customers should also make sure that the pump display resets to zero before the attendant starts pumping the fuel. This ensures the customer isn't paying for more gas than they get.

Kane says that it is also important to make sure the customer is getting the correct gas grade that they asked for.

Customers are urged to check their receipts if they think there were any issues with their gas purchase.

Lawmakers approved the gas tax hike as a way to replenish the state's transportation trust fund. The tax could increase even more if revenue projections are not met.