The price of gas in Illinois has taken off. The statewide average is $4.17, according to the Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report.
That's up 21 cents over the last week, 20 cents over the last month, and 43 cents compared to last year at this time. Beth Mosher of the Triple-A Chicago Motor Club says it's refinery issues that have produced some supply shortages across Illinois and across the Midwest as well.
In the continental United States, only Michigan at $4.24 a gallon has a higher price than Illinois. But Wisconsin and Indiana are also over $4. The record for Illinois is $4.32, set in 2011. Mosher says this is the time of year when gas is typically the most expensive.
In southern Illinois GasBuddy.Com lists current prices that are well under the statewide average. A gallon of regular unleaded is selling in Chester for $3.49, Marion for $3.53, West Frankfort for $3.54, Carbondale for $3.69, Effingham and Olney for $3.79. By comparison the same gallon of regular unleaded in Cape Girardeau, MO sells for $3.31 and in Paducah, KY for $3.37
