Average retail gasoline prices in Illinois rose 5 cents a gallon in the past week, averaging $2.35 on Monday, according to a daily survey of 4,378 gas outlets in Illinois.
This compares with the national average that increased 2 cents in the last week to $2.22, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.
Including the change in gas prices in Illinois during the past week, prices Monday were 43 cents lower than one year ago and 14 cents higher than a month ago. The national average increased 11 cents during the last month and is 48 cents a gallon lower than one year ago.
Prices Monday in Jacksonville were mostly at $2.15 a gallon.
“After a week-over-week decrease, prices popped back up thanks to a late-week surge by Great Lake states,” said Will Speer, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com. “With the Memorial Day holiday two weeks away, it marks the kickoff to the summer driving season. Gasoline demand that has already been strong this year will undoubtedly see a huge seasonal increase in demand. This paired with crude prices that continue to show signs of strength are going to keep further pressure on gas prices this summer.”
