DeKALB — Illinois gas prices have dropped 5.2 cents in the past week, averaging $3.23 per gallon, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 4, 378 stations in Illinois. 

Gas prices in Illinois are 7.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.01 per gallon higher than a year ago. 

The cheapest station in Illinois is priced at $2.55 per gallon today while the most expensive is $3.89 per gallon, a difference of $1.34 per gallon, according to GasBuddy price reports. 

“Sagging U.S. gasoline demand along with continued recovery after Hurricane Ida have helped gas prices edge slightly lower in some states from where they were a week ago,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “But with Tropical Storm Nicholas threatening another key area of refineries in Houston with significant rain, we could see the decline in prices hit the pause button. However, as gasoline demand has now fallen for four straight weeks, there is more breathing room even if some capacity does temporarily go offline. It’s too early to tell, clearly, but motorists should be aware.” 

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.15 per gallon today. The national average is down 2.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 97.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.