Experts Say Illinois Gas Prices Could Finally Drop Soon

If you’ve recently filled up your gas tank and nearly broke into tears while doing so, don't worry, you're not alone, and relief at the pump could be coming soon to Illinois.

Gas Prices in Illinois

One of the things Illinoisans love to complain about the most is gas prices, but who can blame us? Thanks to extra state taxes, gas in Illinois is usually more expensive than it is in surrounding states, and it's frustrating.

I live in a small town that has one gas station, and gas tends to be 10-20 cents cheaper here than it is in Rockford. Yesterday, I drove by my town's gas station and had to do a double take when I saw that the price per gallon was $4.81.

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Bigger Illinois cities have gas prices sitting at $5 and above, so I should be thankful, but one thing's for sure: Illinoisans need relief at the gas pump, and we need it soon.

Experts Predicting a Decrease in Illinois Gas Prices Soon

According to a recent report from WGN-TV, experts say relief could be coming to Illinois sooner than we think, and honestly, I might cry tears of joy right there at the gas station when it happens.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy said:

The five Great Lakes states were hit hard by “refinery challenges in the region,” on top of refinery maintenance that’s typical for this time of year.

So what exactly are the refinery challenges De Haan is referring to?

Now, if the Strait of Hormuz stays open and stable, will gas suddenly be “cheap”? Let’s not get carried away. Illinois still has some of the highest gas taxes in the country, but I'd do a happy dance just to see the price per gallon fall below $4 again.