Gas Prices Edge Up Nationwide, but Decrease in Illinois/Northern Indiana, According to AAA Chicago

AURORA, Ill., July 21 -- Gas prices have decreased in Illinois and Northern Indiana during the past month, but elsewhere in the country gas prices have increased. Rising prices at the pump are being driven largely by high crude oil prices and continued strong demand for gasoline in the United States. Oil sales had dipped below $40 per barrel for most of the summer but have gradually increased during the last two weeks to the $40 price or higher.

According to AAA Chicago's most recent fuel gauge report, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois now averages $1.94 per gallon, which is down 5 cents from this time last month and up 38 cents from last year's prices. In Northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.88, which is the same as last month and up 42 cents from last year's prices.

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $2.04 per gallon, which is down 10 cents from last month's prices and up 37 cents from last year.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.95 per gallon, 11 cents lower than June prices and 37 cents higher than last year.

In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.94 per gallon, 9 cents lower than June prices and 38 cents higher than last year's prices.

In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.96 per gallon, 7 cents lower than June prices and 39 cents higher than last year.

In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.93 per gallon, 12 cents lower than June prices and 48 cents higher than last year.

In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.93 per gallon, 7 cents lower than June prices and 38 cents higher than last year.

"Prices at the pump are higher across the country, but the Chicago area is bucking that trend," said AAA Chicago spokesperson Nicole Niemi. "Prices in the Great Lakes area are down, which is a local anomaly."

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 46 million members in the United States and Canada.