CHICAGO – State and local gas prices have decreased compared to last month, however the American Automobile Association says motorists are likely to see higher pump prices later on this summer. Last week, total domestic crude inventories took a surprisingly large draw of 12.8 million bbl, increasing oil prices, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration. If higher crude prices are sustained, motorists will see higher pump prices this summer. Currently Illinois averages at $2.89 per gallon, a 6 six cent decrease. LaSalle and Bureau counties are both averaging $2.63 per gallon, compared to $2.70 last month. Putnam County has the cheapest gas prices locally at $2.56 per gallon, over a 20 cent decrease.
Beginning July 1, the state’s gas tax will double to 38 cents and the diesel fuel tax will get bumped 5 cents to 45.5 cents total. The measure also shifts 1 percent of Illinois’ sales tax on motor fuel to the road fund every year beginning July 1, 2021. For cars and passenger trucks, registration fees will go from $101 to $151 beginning Jan. 1, 2020, while electric vehicles will be charged a $248 registration annual fee, up from $35 every two years. Other title fees will go from $95 to $150 under the plan, while motor home registrations will cost $250. Other registration fees for certain buses, trucks and trailers will increase by $100.
