As the United States' conflict with Iran continues, the cost of gas has soared, and Illinois is among the 10 most expensive gasoline markets in the country.
On Thursday, regular gasoline was selling for an average of $4.66 per gallon in Illinois, according to the AAA fuel price tracker. That's up 14 cents from just one day earlier. A gallon of gas cost about $4.27 on average a week ago and $4.20 a month ago.
In the Chicago metro area, the average was even higher, at $4.87 per gallon, 41 cents higher than a month ago and up nearly 20 cents in a single day. AAA shows the highest recorded average price for regular unleaded gas in the Chicago metro area was $5.91.
Comparatively, the national average sat at $4.30 on Thursday.
Gas prices are the highest they have been in four years, according to AAA. Drivers experienced brief relief as the price for a gallon of gas ticked down for nearly two weeks, falling 6 cents last week. This week, though, it climbed 27 cents, AAA said.
RELATED: How Iran Attacks Are Impacting Gas Prices In IL
The national average is $1.12 higher than it was this time last year. Oil prices have surged above $100/barrel as there is no indication of when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, according to AAA.
Drivers are feeling the pinch, too. The Energy Information Administration released new data that showed the domestic demand for gasoline decreased last week from 228.4 million barrels to 222.3 million. In that same period, production also decreased, averaging 9.8 million barrels per day.
Illinois drivers are in an unfortunate position, having to pay more for gas than the majority of the country. These are the top 10 most expensive gasoline markets:
Comparatively, these states are the least expensive:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Illinois Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.