It's that magical time of year once again when refiners make the switch over to "summer-blend" gasoline--and raise their prices.

According to a report out this morning from AAA Chicago, gas prices across Illinois and Indiana continue to rise heading into March with drivers paying slightly more than they did a month ago and considerably more than a year ago. Illinois drivers are paying $2.30 on average, a minor increase from $2.28 they paid a month ago, but up from $1.79 a year ago. Indiana drivers are paying on average $2.21, up from $2.14 a month ago and considerably higher than the $1.70 price per gallon they paid a year ago.

AAA Chicago's Beth Mosher, director of public affairs, says you should expect to pay more at the pump:

“We expect the region’s prices to remain volatile well into March, refiners will begin to make the switch over to the summer-blend gasoline, which always comes with higher prices at the pump.”

In February in Illinois, gas prices averaged $2.29, which was down $.13 from January but still $.65 higher than a year ago. In northern Indiana, gas prices averaged $2.16 in February, which was down $.10 from January but $.64 higher than February 2016.

Some numbers from our area, courtesy of AAA Chicago:

  • In Winnebago County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.23 per gallon, a decrease of $.14 from January and $.63 higher than February 2016.
  • In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.49, which was down $.15 from last month and $.68 higher than last year’s price-per-gallon.
  • In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.31 per gallon, which was a $.14 decrease from January and up $.66 from last year.
  • In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.28 per gallon, which was down $.14 compared to last month and $.65 higher than last year’s price.
  • In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.28 per gallon, which was $.09 lower than last month and up by $.65 compared to this time last year.
  • In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.27 per gallon, which was $.15 lower than last month’s average and $.63 higher than last year.
  • In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.28 per gallon, which was $.10 lower compared to last month and $.67 higher compared to last year.

As if all that extra money flying out of your pocket while at the pump weren't enough, don't forget the other things that can go wrong during a fill-up:

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