As the warmer months near, demand for gasoline is up, and so is the price at the pump.
According to AAA, as of Monday, the national average price for a gallon of gas was at $4.32. In Illinois, the average is $4.59.
In Cook County, the average price for a gallon of gas is even higher — at $4.88.
And more specifically, in Chicago, the average price for a gallon of gas is over $5, at $5.06. Just one month ago, that price was $4.783.
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Analysts say there are three factors driving the spike: seasonal demand is increasing, the summer gasoline blend is more costly, and geopolitics remain volatile.
The Illinois county where a gallon of gas cost the least is Macon county, in the central part of the state. The state with the highest average price for a gallon of gas is California, at $5.82.
Experts say Thursday is the priciest day to buy gas, and Monday is the best day to buy.
