ILLINOIS — Illinois drivers are now paying more than $5 a gallon on average for regular gasoline, according to new data from AAA Fuel Prices.
AAA reported Monday that the statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois climbed to $5.054 per gallon. That is up sharply from $4.322 one month ago and well above the $3.381 average recorded at this time last year.
The current Illinois average is also significantly higher than the national average, which AAA listed at $4.515 per gallon Monday.
Prices in several parts of Illinois are even higher than the statewide average. AAA reported the average price for regular gas in the City of Chicago reached $5.444 per gallon, while the Chicago metro area averaged $5.243 per gallon. Lake County drivers were paying an average of $5.113 per gallon.
Other metro areas across the state remained closer to or just below the $5 mark, including Rockford at $4.923, Peoria-Pekin at $4.917 and Springfield at $4.863 per gallon.
AAA also reported diesel prices remain elevated across Illinois, with the statewide diesel average at $6.097 per gallon.
The latest increase comes as fuel prices continue climbing nationwide heading into the summer travel season.
