CHICAGO - Gas prices in Illinois are soaring, as they are nationwide, but the fact that Illinois' coffers rake in more the higher gas prices rise leaves Illinois taxpayers in a bind. Taxes at the gas pump are not based on a per gallon basis, but are determined by the price per gallon. Illinoisans shouldn't look for the legislature to intervene - they're making up budget deficits.
What's going on? Why are gas prices so high in Illinois? Only California and Hawaii are showing higher prices at the pump. Refineries are switching over the the summer blend, the value of the U.S. dollar has weakened and local refineries have had some problems, which have pushed prices in the Chicago area Friday morning from $4.49/gallon in Central Chicago to $3.94/gallon in Cicero. What are you paying per gallon where you live?
