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The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC,
announced this week that they would slow down on oil production
in the coming months, resulting in less oil for the United
States.
Illinois currently has among the highest fuel prices in the
nation. However, Molly Hart of AAA warns that those prices could
increase in the coming months due to the OPEC decision.
"It is about how much oil they are going to produce. With the
OPEC decision, it is too early to tell what the long-term
consequences will be," Hart told The Center Square. "In the
short term, though, we could see an uptick in gas prices."
While Illinois sees the risk of higher fuel prices due to
international decisions, Hart also discussed how a fire at a
refinery in Ohio would also impact fuel.
"Another problem was the fire at the refinery in Toledo a few
weeks ago," Hart said. "That refinery is now shut down and will
not be producing or delivering any oil, so that we can see an
uptick in gas prices because of that."
The average price for a gallon of gas in Illinois is $4.38,
higher than the national average of $3.86.
State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, said another reason for high
prices in Illinois is high state motor fuel taxes. He's calling
for a suspension of the state's motor fuel tax to ease prices at
the pump.
"Instead of giving criminals a financial break with no cash
bail, how about we give taxpayers a break at the pump and
suspend the motor fuel tax," said Caulkins. "We were elected to
represent our constituents. We need to get back to work and
address the important issues facing the state."
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