Illinois gas price hikes slow slightly. Can you expect relief for Memorial Day travel?
Illinois gas prices are down just slightly from last week as demand shrinks going into Memorial Day weekend.
The current average price of gas in Illinois is $4.966 Thursday afternoon, while last week’s was $4.974, according to AAA. The tiny dip is unlikely to provide much financial relief, however, as prices are still more than 50 cents up from a month ago and inflated by more than $1.60 from this time last year.
The national average gas price is at $4.60. While Illinois’ typical prices are higher than the rest of the country, St. Clair County is better off than most of the state, with an average price of $4.868 as of Thursday.
Costs have reached the $5 benchmark in some northern Illinois counties, and southwest Illinois isn’t far behind. One regular gallon of gas in Calhoun County is at $4.999, and Jersey’s price is $4.955.
See average fuel prices by Illinois county in this interactive graphic, using AAA data.
Note: This visualization will update continuously as new data become available.
While AAA says a decrease in demand has helped to slow price increases this week, the holiday weekend is expected to spike travel again.
Americans are currently spending the equivalent of $5,000 per year on gas, according to research from consulting firm Yardeni.
The sharp increases this year have been worse than many predicted. GasBuddy’s Jan. 3, 2022, projection said national gas prices were expected to reach $3.41 this year, $1.19 less than current costs.
Summer travel could drive even steeper hikes. McClatchy reports at least one prediction anticipates the national average hitting $6.20 per gallon by August.
Tips for Memorial Day travel
Here are tips from AAA to get the most out of your long weekend travel plans:
- Plan ahead. Flights, accommodations, tours and more are in high demand.
- Consider off-peak times or days for travel and activities.
- Hit the road when there’s less traffic. The longest driving delays are expected to be Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27.
- Check your car before hitting the road, including making sure tires are properly inflated.
Tips to save fuel
Below are some tips from AAA to conserve gas while traveling across the country or just around town.
- Slow down. Fuel economy can drop significantly at more than 50 mph.
- Avoid hard starts and accelerations.
- Avoid prolonged idling.
- Use cruise control where appropriate.
- Limit air conditioning use when possible.
- Park in the shade when the weather is hot, and use a windshield screen to lessen heat inside the car.
- Remove unnecessary bulky items, unused roof and bike racks and other accessories before traveling.
