AAA: Harsh Winter Keeps Gas Prices Low

AURORA, Ill., Feb. 4, 2014 — Gas price averages started the year off relatively low due to less driving and decreased demand. Illinois and Indiana drivers are currently paying on average, $3.36 and $3.31 respectively for a gallon of regular unleaded.

In January in Illinois, gas prices averaged $3.39, which was up $.09 from December 2013 and even with a year ago. In northern Indiana, gas prices averaged $3.27 in January, which was up $.08 from December 2013 and down $.04 from January 2013.  

“The harsh winter weather has kept people off the roads and lowered gasoline consumption in the Midwest,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago. “While the decreased demand has enabled prices to remain relatively flat, trends show that gas prices rise in February due to seasonal refinery maintenance.”
 
Other January monthly averages across the region:
 

• In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.59, which is up $.13 from last month and $.05 higher than last year’s price-per-gallon.
• In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.44 per gallon, which is a $.09 increase from December 2013 and up $.01 from last year.
• In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.42 per gallon, which is up $.11 compared to last month and $.03 higher than January 2013’s price.
• In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.40 per gallon, which is $.10 higher than last month and up by $.01 compared to this time last year.
• In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.43 per gallon, which is $.10 higher than last month’s average and $.05 higher than January 2013’s price.
• In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.39 per gallon, which is $.11 higher compared to last month and $.01 higher compared to last year.
• In Champaign County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.25 per gallon, an increase of $.06 from December 2013 and even with last year.
• In McLean County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.28 per gallon, which is $.11 higher than last month and $.04 higher than last year.
• In Peoria County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.30 per gallon, which is up $.09 compared to last month and up $.02 from January 2013.
• In Sangamon County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.30 per gallon, which is $.11 higher than last month and $.05 higher than last year.
• In Winnebago County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.31 per gallon, an increase of $.05 from December 2013 and $.04 lower than January 2013.
• In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.31 per gallon, which is $.07 higher than last month and $.01 lower than January 2013’s price.
• In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.27 per gallon, which is up $.08 from December’s average and is a $.04 decrease from a year ago.
• In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.25 per gallon, which is $.08 higher than last month and $.05 lower than last year.
• In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.34 per gallon, which is $.06 higher compared to last month and even 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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