Gas Price Spike In IL Not Due To Pipeline Shutdown: AAA

ILLINOIS — Just in time for Memorial Day travels, gasoline prices in Illinois have risen more than 20 cents higher than the national average. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas is just over $3. As of Wednesday afternoon, Illinois' average stood at $3.23.

While the increase moves Illinois into the top 15 states with pricey unleaded fuel, states such as California, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington regularly have higher average rates.

Officials from AAA said Illinois' spike isn't due to the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, which shut down over the weekend and left areas in the Southeast and East Coast scrambling to stock up on gasoline.

"Last year, gas prices were so low. Now, people are looking at the gas prices today, and it feels like a sticker shock," AAA spokesperson Molly Hart said in an email. "There is a likelihood that gas prices will go up a bit more."

Hart said gas prices usually increase during the start of summer as people take more road trips and drive to the beach. This year, an increase in vaccinations and a decrease in restrictions mean people are eager to "get out," she said.

The Illinois Oil and Gas Association also said gas shortages like those seen in several other states are unlikely to happen in Illinois unless people start panic-buying gas the way they did with toilet paper at the start of the pandemic, according to The Pantagraph.

"I think it's temporary and local," Executive Vice President Robert Stewart told the paper. "People are aggravating (the problem) by buying gas for everything they can."

This time last May, as Illinois hit record high COVID-19 cases, gasoline cost $2.12, according to GasBuddy. Chicago's rates are the highest right now at $3.516, with metro areas at $3.306 per gallon. But the state is still well below the highest recorded gas prices of $4.319 set in 2011.

AAA released its holiday forecast Tuesday, showing that almost as many Illinois residents plan to travel this Memorial Day as before the pandemic. Roads, planes and public transit can expect up to 1.8 million travelers from Illinois, 57 percent higher than in 2020.

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, AAA released these tips to fill up less:

• Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible avoid high-traffic times of day.
• Use the most fuel-efficient car possible on longer journeys.
• It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, so remove extra items and roof racks.
• Open windows are better for mileage than air conditioning, which still requires engine power.
• In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning.