DeKALB–  Gas prices in Illinois have now been on the rise for five consecutive weeks with the average price being $3.65 per gallon which is 13.3 cents higher than last week. 

Compared to last month, the price of gas is 41.9 cents higher according to GasBuddy. Currently, the price is 15 cents higher than the average cost last year.  

The cheapest gas station in Illinois was selling for $3.07 per gallon. The most expensive gas station was priced at $4.68 per gallon according to GasBuddy. 

The rise in gas prices is not limited to Illinois with the nationwide average seeing an increase as well. Across the country, the average price of gas has risen by 9.7 cents since last week resulting in an average price of $3.49 per gallon as of Monday. The national average has increased by 33.3 cents since last month and is 14.1 cents higher than the previous year. 

According to head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, Patrick De Hann, prices are not likely to decrease in the near future. “There appears to be little good news on the gas price front, with prices unlikely to turn around any time soon.” Hann said. “Because of the surge in prices last spring, many refineries that had planned maintenance deferred maintenance until 2023.”