Traveling This Memorial Day? Check Gas Prices In Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF, IL — If you’re among the 37 million Americans predicted to travel this Memorial Day, part of planning your trip means knowing how much it will cost to fill up the tank in the Lake Forest area.

One thing is for certain: significantly higher prices than last year. So prepare your wallet to take a big hit this Memorial Day. The American Automobile Association predicts gas prices will reach a high not seen since 2014.

As of Monday, AAA data shows the average price for a gallon of gas in Lake County was $3.20, while the average for Cook County was $3.42 per gallon.

The cheapest available options for gas in the area were all in Lake Bluff, with $3.24 per gallon at the Mobil, 2 N. Waukegan Road, the Shell at 28787 N. Waukegan Road and the Marathon at 218 N. Waukegan Road. The cheapest gas in Lake Forest was $3.39 per gallon at the BP at 530 N. Western Ave., according to the website Gasbuddy, as of Monday.

More demand this year is likely to drive up prices as the holiday approaches, according to AAA. As demand increases, gas stations will have to adjust delivery schedules in order to keep up. This could also result in some fuel outages in more-popular destinations, AAA predicts.

A recent shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers 45 percent of fuel consumed by East and Southeast states, could also affect prices and fuel supply ahead of the holiday, according to AAA.

RELATED: Gas Shortages, Prices Spike During Colonial Pipeline Shutdown

Destinations vary this Memorial Day, but AAA says the top five destinations this year are Las Vegas, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Denver and Nashville.

It’s likely anyone traveling by car will experience some sticker shock this year. Anyone who traveled last Memorial Day enjoyed some of the lowest gas prices in years. Heading into that holiday weekend, gas in the United States averaged about $1.87 per gallon.