Another month, another record for gas prices in Illinois. AAA said this month started with the highest gas prices ever for the month March.
Average prices in the City of Chicago ring in at $4.22 a gallon. That's up $0.26 from a month ago.
Drivers in the Chicago suburbs are paying around $3.99 a gallon. That's up $0.17 a gallon from last month.
AAA said the sharp price spike was due to refinery maintenance, and a decline in refinery production.
The average price of gas in metro Chicago was $3.93 in February, a 30-cent increase from the February 2012 price of $3.63 per gallon, according to Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago spokeswoman.
"Gas prices increased dramatically in February ... primarily due to a decline in refinery production," she said.
"There is still maintenance to be done before the Midwest shifts to a summer blend of gasoline [and] motorists are likely to face continued high prices."
The average price of gasoline has increased 59 cents per gallon in Illinois and 54 cents in Indiana since the beginning of the year, which is the highest price increase through the end of February on record, according to AAA.
Around the area, the average price of a regular unleaded gas in February:
Northern Indiana: $3.77, up 49 cents from January and 29 cents from February 2012.
Cook County, $4.01, up 49 cents from January and 31 cents from a year ago.
DuPage County, $3.87, up 48 cents from January and 30 cents from a year ago.
Lake County, $3.84 per gallon, up 48 cents from January and 32 cents from a year ago.
Kane County, $3.85 per gallon, up 49 cents from January and 31 from a year ago.
McHenry County, $3.83, up 48 cents from January and 33 cents from a year ago.
Will County, $3.85, up 49 cents from January and 32 cents from a year ago.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:14 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:14:33 GMT
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:08 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:08:32 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello joined Good Day Chicago live from Dallas Wednesday morning to share tips on how to get the best deals on flights and hotels this summer.
FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello joined Good Day Chicago live from Dallas Wednesday morning to share tips on how to get the best deals on flights and hotels this summer.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Monday, June 17 2013 12:48 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:48:35 GMT
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:23:45 GMT
Train service on the South Shore Line is suspended after a problem occurred with the equipment that transfers the energy from the overhead line to the trains.
Train service on the South Shore Line is suspended after a problem occurred with the equipment that transfers the energy from the overhead line to the trains.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:28 AM EDT2013-06-17 13:28:37 GMT
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
Saturday, June 15 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-06-16 01:11:05 GMT
By all accounts 21-year-old Carissa Hinz was a young woman full of life. Many friends and co-workers were present when she was struck by a car and the driver kept going.
By all accounts 21-year-old Carissa Hinz was a young woman full of life. Many friends and co-workers were present when she was struck by a car and the driver kept going.
Saturday, June 15 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-06-15 14:45:00 GMT
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:47:11 GMT
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:07 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:07:39 GMT
Chicago Bike Week ends with a bang on Friday, with the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. New barrier-protected bike lanes also opened along Milwaukee Avenue, the city's most heavily biked corridor.
Chicago Bike Week ends with a bang on Friday, with the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. New barrier-protected bike lanes also opened along Milwaukee Avenue, the city's most heavily biked corridor.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:18:11 GMT
Service on Metra's Southwest Service between downtown and southwest suburban Manhattan has been disrupted Thursday afternoon by the derailment of a freight train locomotive on the South Side.
Service on Metra's Southwest Service between downtown and southwest suburban Manhattan has been disrupted Thursday afternoon by the derailment of a freight train locomotive on the South Side.
Thursday, June 13 2013 12:59 PM EDT2013-06-13 16:59:17 GMT
CTA Brown, Green, Orange and Pink Line trains are back in service but riders should expect major delays in the Loop because of earlier switching problems.
CTA Brown, Green, Orange and Pink Line trains are back in service but riders should expect major delays in the Loop because of earlier switching problems.
