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The average gas price in Illinois is higher than the national
average of $3.85 a gallon, the highest level since last October
and 31 cents higher than just last month. According to AAA,
there are now 11 states that are averaging $4 a gallon or
higher.
The state with the highest gas prices is California, with an
average of $5.18 a gallon. Mississippi had the lowest average
price at $3.33.
AAA spokesperson Molly Hart said weather-related issues are
partly to blame for the price increases.
“Part of it is the extreme heat we have been experiencing
throughout the country which can cause complications for
refineries,” Hart said. “We also need to factor in the severe
weather we have been seeing across the country.”
Refineries, which turn crude oil into products like gasoline,
don’t function as efficiently during extremely hot temperatures.
It may soon get worse. OPEC leader Saudi Arabia is extending its
oil production cut for at least another month in a move that
threatens to drive gasoline and other energy prices even higher.
Also looming is hurricane season. The Gulf Coast is home to some
major U.S. refineries and the region is a key hub for energy
exports, including liquefied natural gas. That’s not to mention
the massive offshore Gulf of Mexico oil production.
“Hurricanes can certainly play a role in gas prices because they
can shut down refineries and it takes a while to get them back
up and working,” Hart said.
Illinoisans were hit with a second gas tax hike this year on
July 1. The motor fuel tax is now 45.4 cents a gallon. The
state's gas tax was just 19 cents a gallon in 2019 before Gov.
J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly doubled it.
The cheapest gas in Illinois is in Brown County at $3.69 a
gallon, while the most expensive is in Cook County at $4.52.
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