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

AURORA, Ill., March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For those who have been waiting throughout this extreme winter for signs of spring, the slow but steady climb of gas prices as March begins is one of the first indicators. Gas price averages started the year off relatively low due to less driving and decreased demand, but prices are starting to rise as many refineries begin seasonal maintenance. Illinois and Indiana drivers are currently paying on average $3.70 and $3.61 respectively for a gallon of regular unleaded. These prices reflect a rise of over $.30 from just a month ago.  

In February in Illinois, gas prices averaged $3.46, which was up $.07 from January 2014 and $.35 less than a year ago. In northern Indiana, gas prices averaged $3.35 in February, which was up $.07 from January 2014 and down $.43 from February 2013.

Starting in March, three refineries in Illinois and one in northern Indiana will be undergoing seasonal maintenance, which may cause a disruption in prices.   

"We are entering the worst time of year for visiting the gas station as prices rise primarily due to seasonal refinery maintenance," said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago. "Yet even as prices inevitably rise, there is a good chance that most people should pay less than recent years to buy gas." 

Other February monthly averages across the region:

• In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.67, which is up $.08 from last month and $.35 lower than last year's price-per-gallon.
• In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.52 per gallon, which is a $.09 increase from January and down $.35 from last year.
• In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.49 per gallon, which is up $.07 compared to last month and $.36 lower than February 2013's price.
• In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.48 per gallon, which is $.08 higher than last month and down by $.33 compared to this time last year.
• In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.51 per gallon, which is $.08 higher than last month's average and $.33 lower than February 2013's price.
• In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.48 per gallon, which is $.08 higher compared to last month and $.37 lower compared to last year.
• In Champaign County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.41 per gallon, an increase of $.16 from January and $.32 lower than last year.
• In McLean County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.33 per gallon, which is $.05 higher than last month and $.32 lower than last year.
• In Peoria County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.35 per gallon, which is up $.05 compared to last month and down $.35 from February 2013.
• In Sangamon County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.34 per gallon, which is $.04 higher than last month and $.36 lower than last year.
• In Winnebago County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.39 per gallon, an increase of $.07 from January and $.38 lower than February 2013.
• In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.42 per gallon, which is $.09 higher than last month and $.32 lower than February 2013's price.
• In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.35 per gallon, which is up $.07 from January's average and is a $.43 decrease from a year ago.
• In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.34 per gallon, which is $.07 higher than last month and $.43 lower than last year.
• In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.44 per gallon, which is $.09 higher compared to last month and $.32 lower with last year.

Fuel prices are posted on-line at www.fuelgaugereport.com, which updates prices daily for unleaded, diesel and E85 blends of fuel.

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SOURCE AAA Chicago