AAA Chicago: March Gas Prices on the Rise

AURORA, Ill.–(ENEWSPF)–March 18, 2010 – As spring looms, fuel prices have increased in Illinois and northern Indiana over the past month. This is attributed to a couple of factors including slight increased demand and a continued uncertainty of the economy. AAA Chicago’s most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois, regular unleaded gasoline has increased 11 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.80 per gallon for the month of March, which is $.79 higher per gallon than last year.

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.71, which is up 11 cents from February 2010 and up $.75 from March 2009.

“As warmer weather sets in, we’re seeing the beginning of increased demand, which is pushing gasoline prices up,” says Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago’s spokesperson.

In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.93, which is up $.10 cents from last month and $.83 higher than last year’s price-per-gallon.
In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.82 per gallon, which is a 13-cent increase from February and $.82 higher than last year.
In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.80 per gallon, which is 16 cents higher compared to last month and $.80 higher than March 2009’s price.
In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.78 per gallon, which is 11 cents higher than last month and up by $.79 compared to this time last year.
In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.78 per gallon, which is 14 cents higher than month’s average and $.80 higher than March 2009’s price.
In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.77 per gallon, which is 8 cents higher compared to last month and $.77 higher compared to last year.
In Champaign County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.72 per gallon, an increase of 12 cents from February and an increase of $.74 from last year.
In McLean County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.72 per gallon, which is 13 cents higher than last month and $.77 higher than last year.
In Peoria County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.76 per gallon, which is a 13-cent increase compared to last month and a $.78 increase from March 2009.
In Sangamon County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.70 per gallon, which is 10 cents higher than last month and $.73 higher than last year.
In Winnebago County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.72 per gallon, an increase of 14 cents from February and an increase of $.79 from March 2009.
In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.68 per gallon, which is an increase of 9 cents from last month and $.73 higher than March 2009’s price.
In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.72 per gallon, a 12-cent increase from February’s average and a $.76 increase from a year ago.
In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.69 per gallon, which is 8 cents higher than last month and $.73 higher than last year.
In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.67 per gallon, which is 8 cents higher compared to last month and $.71 higher compared to last year.