According to GasBuddy chief analyst Patrick DeHaan, fuel prices have been rising gradually but steadily across the nation, and East Central Illinois is no different.
Prices have been increasing in the Champaign County area since January, when they were $2.80 a gallon on average.
On July 1st of this year, prices were eight cents cheaper on average than they were on July 1st of the previous year, and significantly lower than the $4.92 per gallon cost in 2022.
According to DeHaan, prices will gradually rise through July, but as the summer heat builds, drivers should also brace for more significant rises.
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“We’re reminded that fuel prices could see some jolts in the second half of the summer should a storm threaten refining capacity in Texas or Louisiana,” DeHaan added, referring to Hurricane Beryl’s current formation in the Caribbean.
If you’re looking to save a few pennies for summer travel, several fuel stations around Champaign are the second-cheapest.
