The price of gas in Illinois fell in July, but that’s not the whole story. The price in July was down eight cents from June, to a statewide average of $3.60, according to the monthly survey by the Triple-A Chicago Motor Club. But the price rose sharply late in the month, for two main reasons. Nick Jarmuz, spokesman for the Triple-A chicago Motor Club, says that problems at refineries in Lemont and Whiting, Indiana have limited supply in recent weeks. Right now, Illinois has the highest rate in the country avering $4.06 per gallon.
Jarmusz says it goes to show that the way gasoline prices are determined, or the factors that go into what you pay at the pump are so varied and complex that changes in any one of the areas can affect prices pretty significantly. Jarmusz says the refinery problem will be temporary, but the price of ethanol will last indefinitely. The July price is 27 cents cheaper than July of last year. The price in Rochelle right now is $3.99 per gallon.
