Illinois motorists traveling during the Memorial Day weekend are paying significantly more at the pump this year, with gas prices rising nearly 48 percent compared to the same holiday period in 2025.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in Illinois on May 20 was $5.03, compared to $3.41 one year ago. In the Chicago metropolitan area, the average price climbed to $5.20 per gallon, up from $3.54 last Memorial Day.
Industry analysts say global instability, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, has played a major role in driving fuel prices higher nationwide.
Illinois also continues to rank among the states with the highest gas taxes in the nation. The current Illinois state gas tax stands at 48.3 cents per gallon. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the combined average of federal and state gasoline taxes in Illinois was just under 85 cents per gallon in January, second only to California.
Drivers could see another increase beginning July 1, when Illinois’ gas tax is scheduled to rise to 49.6 cents per gallon through an automatic inflation adjustment.
With the average vehicle holding about 14 gallons of fuel, Illinois drivers are now paying more than $70 for a fill-up, compared to less than $48 during the same period last year.
Economists note that rising fuel prices can also affect retail costs, as many consumer goods are transported by truck before reaching store shelves.