Gas tax in Illinois set to increase soon. How much more will you pay at the pump?
The average gas price per gallon has recently passed the $5 benchmark in Illinois, and prices are expected to spike further with a planned increase to the state’s gas tax.
Illinois’ gas tax is already higher than most states’, and is set to increase July 1 in accordance with inflation.
The motor fuel tax is a major source of funding for infrastructure across the state. From 2018 to 2019, the Illinois gas tax saw a steep increase from 19 to 39 cents under the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, a $25 billion-plus infrastructure investment plan.
Effective July 1, the Illinois motor fuel tax rate will increase by 1.3 cents per gallon of gas or diesel, bringing the tax on a gallon of gasoline to 49.6 cents per gallon, and the diesel tax to 57.1 cents per gallon.
Travel company AAA reports Illinois’ average gas price is $5.033 as of Wednesday, compared to a national average of $4.555. St. Clair County’s average gas price is slightly lower at $4.932, AAA reports. Illinois’ average gas price has increased by $1.625 per gallon since last year.
Diesel prices reached a record-high in the metro-east and statewide in mid-May, but have seen slight relief. The average price of a gallon of diesel in Illinois is $6.065 as of Wednesday, compared to a peak of $6.142 May 14.
How can you save at the pump?
Auto club AAA offers an online tool where you can search for gas stations along your route, including pricing. GasBuddy is another option, offering an app to search for cheaper gas and a U.S. gas price map. As of May 20, GasBuddy shows crowdsourced prices of $4.99 at a Motomart, Philips 66 and ZX in Belleville and $4.79 at a Circle K.
The app Upside offers cash back on gas purchases, as well as a map to locate the most affordable stations near you.
More money-saving tips to consider include using any cash-back offers your credit card company may have, checking if your company reimburses you for work trips, downloading gas station apps for offers and buying your gas with cash.
Additionally, if you happen to live near a Metro station, public transportation can be a more affordable alternative to driving.
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