By Jim Anderson–Illinois Radio News

 

You’ve probably noticed that the price of gas is going up.

 

Statewide, the average price is now $2.44, up 21 cents from a month ago, according to the Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report. Triple-A spokesman Beth Mosher says this happens this time of year.

 

“We always say that this is one of the first signs of spring, that gas prices rise, and so even though there’s snow on the ground today, we know spring is coming because gas prices are rising,” she said.

 

The main reason is that refineries are preparing for the switch to the summer fuel blend, and doing maintenance at the same time, which puts a crimp on supply. Nevertheless, the price last year at this time was $3.70, so we’re saving $1.26 a gallon compared to that, and Mosher says drivers are happy about it.

 

The national average today is $2.45, so Illinois is below that by 2/10 of a cent.

 

Diesel in Illinois is averaging $2.90, up from $2.87 a month ago and down from $4.06 a year ago.