Joliet Gas Prices Well Above National Average

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in America, according to CNN Money, has jumped more than 13 percent over the past 32 days, to $3.73.

In Joliet, the news is worse. Prices are exceeding the average by anywhere from 17 cents to 36 cents per gallon, a check of prices posted at about 5:30 p.m. for on gasbuddy.com showed.

Gas prices ranged from $3.89 at the Thorntons stations at 2798 W. Jefferson St. and 1602 Essington Road to $4.09 at the BP station at 4802 Caton Farm Road at Route 59.

CNN Money is crediting the price increase to a combination of factors, including rising crude oil prices, production cuts and refinery closings. 

The Chicago Tribune reported last week a number of refinery issues in the area have affected gas prices, including an overhaul of BP's Whiting refinery and a fire at a refinery in Ohio.

AAA predicts local refinery issues will continue to push gas prices up in the months to come, according to the Tribune article.