Jessica Pacetti
Staff Writer
Gas prices have been decreasing for much of the winter holiday. Some spots in the Chicago land area even had gas for under a $1 per gallon. However, after 123 consecutive days of low gas prices, it is now coming to an end.
Since January 27, gas prices have been on the rise once again mainly in the suburban areas. No longer can drivers find gas that is under $2. According to IllinoisGasPrices.com, Naperville gas prices range from $2.19 per gallon all the way up to $2.29 per gallon. Aurora follows close behind with an average of $2.15 per gallon.
Even though gas has been at its cheapest since 2014 when it averaged out to be at about $3-4 a gallon, the days of under $2 gas is over. The average cost of gas nationwide now is $2.15 and may continue to keep rising.
The Chicago Tribune stated that gas prices might rise by about 30 to 50 cents per gallon between February and the middle of spring. This could push the cost of gas up from $2.19 in Naperville up to $2.49-$2.69.
According to the AAA, this is not uncommon for gas to jump during this time of the year as gas prices have increased during the previous five years by an average of 22 cents per gallon.
What has caused this sudden and continues rise in gas prices?
According to AAA gas prices are beginning to rise again due to numerous of refinery issues in the Midwest.
Spokesperson for the AAA, Avery Ash, stated to the Chicago Tribune that “‘Refinery maintenance season is beginning and there are also have been a number of refinery upsets, which can limit production.”
Basically the refineries that produce gas are going through maintenance season, causing the price of gas to rise. While others are having company issues and the upkeep it getting a bit expensive so time to increase the gas prices to make up for the funds.
