Gas prices are typically higher in DeKalb than nearby cities, NIU transportation manager Bill Funucane said.

Finucane finds with crude oil over $100 a barrel, prices are expected to be higher, especially around DeKalb.

“About a week ago, gas prices were around $3.20 and recently have dropped to around $3.08,” he said.

Finucane also said being in a college town, the prices can change based when students are around.

“It’s market-driven, with prices going up by the end of the week when not as many students are on campus,” he said. “So the prices could be back to around $3.20 by the end of this upcoming week.”

Finucane said the difference in gas prices between cities is based on local taxes.

“Local taxes differ from city to city,” he said. “Cook County, for example, just raised their sales tax causing gas prices to go up in that area.”

He also said demand makes up for the prices as well.

Kelly Drury, a senior textiles, apparel and merchandise major, said she really does not have much of an option in where she gets her gas.

“Being from Springfield, I feel that I don’t have much of a choice where I can fill up since I am far away. I always fill up by the DeKalb Oasis at the Mobil gas station since I have a Mobil Card,” she said.

Drury sees a huge difference between the prices here compared to back home.

“In Springfield, the gas price was around $2.88 since the last time I checked,” she said.

Shaun Cwick, junior geology major, gets his gas outside of DeKalb.

“I’m from Woodstock and find the prices to be about five cents cheaper,” he said. “Even though it’s not that big of a difference, it can add up after a while so I fill up there.”