Illinois gas prices remain among nation's highest as another tax hike nears
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Gas prices at a gas station in the West Loop. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
Gas prices are pushing past $5 a gallon across parts of Illinois — and drivers may not get much relief anytime soon.
The latest: Memorial Day travel demand and the annual switch from cheaper winter gasoline blends to more expensive summer blends are expected to keep upward pressure on prices in the coming weeks.
The intrigue: Governors in neighboring states, including Indiana and Kentucky, have recently suspended gas taxes to offer drivers temporary relief.
Yes, but: Illinois isn't following suit — at least not yet. Gov. JB Pritzker appears focused on passing his proposed budget before the legislative session ends this month.
Reality check: Illinois drivers are paying an average of $4.989 per gallon, according to AAA, the highest price of any state other than on the West Coast.
- Meanwhile, the state gas tax is set to rise on July 1 as part of an automatic increase under the "Rebuild Illinois" act passed in 2019.
Flashback: Pritzker paused a scheduled gas tax hike in 2022 as prices surged nationwide, a move Republicans criticized as politically motivated ahead of his reelection campaign.
- He reinstated the increase on Jan. 1, 2023, after winning a second term.
By the numbers: Illinois' gas tax stands at 48.3 cents per gallon and is set to rise to 49.6 cents on July 1.
- The tax helps pay for statewide infrastructure projects, but the increase comes as drivers already face high prices and inflation concerns.
Zoom out: Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the Trump administration is "open" to suspending the federal gasoline tax amid high pump prices.
Many readers told us they're adjusting daily routines and spending habits to cope with higher fuel costs.
Axios reader Jeff C. says he relies on gas station reward programs, which save him 10 to 20 cents per gallon.
- "Up until these past two weeks, I have been able to keep under $4 per gallon," he wrote.
John B. says he's "combining trips whenever possible — a warm engine typically runs more efficiently than a cold one, so reducing the number of one-and-done excursions can be helpful."
- Other readers said they're bunching errands together, driving only in the evenings, taking more public transit or heading to suburban stations in search of lower prices.
And one reader summed up their strategy in five words:
- "I bought an electric car."