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AAA: A Sure Sign of Spring -- Gas Prices are on the Rise


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AURORA, IL -- March 6, 2015: For those who have been waiting throughout this long winter for signs of spring, the steady climb of gas prices as March begins is one of the first indicators. While gas price averages have been low for several months due to high supply and low demand, over the past month, drivers across Illinois and northern Indiana have seen that trend reversed. Illinois and Indiana drivers are currently paying on average $2.45 and $2.41 respectively for a gallon of regular unleaded. These prices reflect a rise of over $.20 and over $.15 from just a month ago.

“Yet even with the rise of gas prices, drivers are still faring much better than they did a year ago.”

In February in Illinois, gas prices averaged $2.34, which was up $.27 from January 2015 but still $1.15 less than a year ago. In northern Indiana, gas prices averaged $2.26 in February, which was up $.31 from January 2015 and down $1.12 from February 2014.

“We are entering the time of year when refineries start their seasonal maintenance to prepare for the summer driving season,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago. “Yet even with the rise of gas prices, drivers are still faring much better than they did a year ago.”

Other February monthly averages across the region:

  • In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.53, which is up $.23 from last month and $1.17 lower than last year’s price-per-gallon.
  • In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.41 per gallon, which is a $.28 increase from January and down $1.15 from last year.
  • In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.37 per gallon, which is up $.27 compared to last month and $1.15 lower than February 2014’s price.
  • In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.38 per gallon, which is $.28 higher than last month and down by $1.13 compared to this time last year.
  • In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.34 per gallon, which is $.29 higher than last month’s average and $1.20 lower than last year.
  • In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.40 per gallon, which is $.29 higher compared to last month and $1.12 lower compared to last year.
  • In Champaign County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.20 per gallon, an increase of $.24 from January and $1.24 lower than last year.
  • In McLean County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.24 per gallon, which is $.28 higher than last month and $1.12 lower than last year.
  • In Peoria County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.23 per gallon, which is up $.28 compared to last month and down $1.15 from February 2014.
  • In Sangamon County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.25 per gallon, which is $.33 higher than last month and $1.11 lower than last year.
  • In Winnebago County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.30 per gallon, an increase of $.30 from January and $1.12 lower than February 2014.
  • In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.30 per gallon, which is $.27 higher than last month and $1.16 lower than February 2014’s price.
  • In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.26 per gallon, which is up $.30 from January’s average and is a $1.12 decrease from a year ago.
  • In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.25 per gallon, which is $.32 higher than last month and $1.20 lower than last year.
  • In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.30 per gallon, which is $.27 higher compared to last month and $1.17 lower with last year.