Gas prices continue to rise across the country, with some pumps in Illinois reaching over $5 per gallon.
AAA reported Thursday that national prices reached a four-year high, forcing drivers across the country to pinch pennies as they budget for their summer travel.
But when will prices go down? Here’s what we know.
What’s the average price of gas in Illinois?
The average cost in Illinois for a regular gallon of gas is $4.67 on the morning of April 30, according to AAA. That’s about 39 cents higher than the week prior, 46 cents higher than the month before and 37 cents higher than the national average.
The following cities recorded these average fuel costs:
Where is the cheapest gas in Illinois? The most expensive?
The most expensive gas could be found in Cook County at $4.87, and the cheapest could be found in Pope and Pulaski counties at $4.25.
Which states have the most expensive gas?
AAA reported Thursday, April 30, that the nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are:
Which states have the cheapest gas?
The top 10 least expensive gasoline markets, as of April 30, are:
National gas prices hit four-year high
National average gas prices spiked 27 cents in just one week after ticking down for nearly two weeks, according to AAA.
The site reported that the national average is $1.12 higher than the same time last year, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel. Gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years, since July 2022.
When will gas prices drop?
Gas prices may stay high throughout the summer due to several factors.
President Trump previously blamed Iran for the spike in gas prices in an April 1 address: “This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers and neighboring countries that have nothing to do with the conflict.”
The war, however, isn’t the only factor. “Gas prices move higher in the spring and summer every year. The nation makes the switch from cheaper winter blend gas to summer starting in March and April,” Andrew Gross, an AAA spokesperson, told USA TODAY. “The better weather and longer days usually lead to more driving, pushing demand up.”
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Gas prices reach $5 in parts of Illinois. Will they go up this summer?
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Marina Johnson, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
