Chicago Has Highest Gas Prices in the Nation

According to the most recent Lundberg Survey of fuel prices, the city of Chicago has the highest gasoline prices in the lower 48 states. The average price in the Windy City for a gallon of gas is $4.27 according to the survey, but many gas price watch websites, such as GasBuddy.com, are putting the Chicago average at about $4.32 with prices continuing to rise.

Chicago is also seeing gas prices well above the Illinois average and the national average, which are at $4.15 and $3.85 per gallon, respectively.

Even though the average is around $4.30, many Chicagoans are actually paying more than this amount. At some of the city's gas stations, a price for a gallon of gas is about $4.69, like at the BP station at 755 W. Lawrence Ave. on the North Side and the Citgo station at 1004 S. Des Plaines St. near the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Marcus Blake, a North Side resident, said, "I caved in and filled up my tank this afternoon at Shell at Pulaski and Irving Park for $4.64. I was hoping I could find somewhere else that's cheaper but I didn't have time. The inner city is definitely the worst. Sometimes it's 50 cents cheaper but this is what happens you don't plan; you end up paying way more than you should have."

For Chicago residents and suburbanites, it's often costly to buy gas within the Chicago city limits, which is why many buy gas in the suburbs. Some of the cheapest gas in the area can be found in the suburban areas, including Costco at 8400 W. North Ave. in Melrose Park and Sam's Club at 141 W. North Ave. in Northlake, both of which had gas for $4.07 per gallon today, still below the Illinois average.

Pam Ng, a Lincoln Park resident, stated, "I've found that Sam's Club has some of the best prices, which is why I filled up today at their Des Plaines location [on 101 W. Oakton St.]. They are usually quite a bit lower than some of the other suburban gas stations and definitely a lot lower than the city. It's worth the trip out to the suburbs and it's worth Sam's Club's membership cost, especially if you split the membership with your family."

Gas prices are still continuing to rise and the Lundberg Survey of fuel prices cited that the prices of crude oil were being directly impacted from civil unrest in Libya, as well as increased demand in crude oil.

Rachel Krech provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.