DeKALB – Gas prices have maintained similar prices in Illinois for the past month. Illinois gas prices have risen by 2 cents in the past week averaging $3.52/g on November 29th. These prices are 1.2 cents higher per gallon than the average in Illinois one month ago. 

The national average price for gasoline has declined by 3.4 cents per gallon this past week, averaging $3.37/g on November 29th. These prices are 1.4 cents lower per gallon than one month ago.

In Illinois gas prices are up $1.38/g higher, and nationally $1.26/g higher than one year ago when COVID-19 was still shutting most businesses and workplaces. Prices may decline once again due to COVID-19 as the Omicron variant becomes more important on the international stage.

“Gas price declines are slowly picking up momentum,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “With oil’s recent fall and the jury out on a new Covid variant, Omicron, we could be in store for lower prices based on many countries turning back to travel restrictions, limiting oil demand and potentially accelerating the drop in gas prices.” 

OPEC has delayed its meetings to await market movement and information on Omicron, according to Gasbuddy. 

“But so far, Americans can expect the new variant to push gas prices even lower,” said De Haan.

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:

Peoria- $3.51/g, down 2.4 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.53/g.

St. Louis- $3.14/g, down 2.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.16/g.

Champaign- $3.48/g, down 3.1 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.52/g.