(The Center Square) – Gas prices have swung up and down for Illinois drivers in recent weeks, as they have across the country. A spokeswoman for AAA attributed much of the current costs to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to AAA data, the average price for regular unleaded in Illinois was $4.30 per gallon on Thursday, up from $3.42 one year ago.
Molly Hart, a spokeswoman for AAA Auto Club Group, told The Center Square prices are a few cents lower than last week’s average price at the pump in Illinois.
“It is actually 5 cents less than a week ago, though it is 31 cents higher than a month ago. So, we are seeing up and down of gas prices. And there are several things that go into what we pay at the pump,” Hart said.
She said the factors that play into the price of fuel include geopolitical conflicts, but also weather impacts on domestic refinery production and regular seasonal price changes.
“Refineries also go into seasonal maintenance, and though it’s in the spring and the fall, we do see the prices go up a bit because they’re only operating – they’re not operating at full capacity,” Hart said. “Weather, you know, such as tornadoes, fires, hurricanes, can also shut down refineries, and we can also see the price go up.”
Hart said those factors play into price fluctuation, but less than the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
“However, it is a conflict in Iran that is pushing these prices up high,” Hart said. “Geopolitical events always do have a role in what we pay.”
President Donald Trump on Wednesday told a crowd in Nevada that he believes his administration is handling the broader economy well, disputing poll data showing Americans generally don’t believe the economy is heading in the right direction.
“I saw polls today on television that say Donald Trump’s polls on the economy aren’t good. The economy is the greatest economy we’ve ever had by far,” Trump said.
According to YouGov polling data, 56.9% of survey participants felt the economy is getting worse, while 21.6% feel its remaining “the same.” Only 17.6% of respondents said they felt the economy was improving.
Jim Talamonti contributed to this story.
