ECONOMY

Regional gas prices rise amid oil-market volatility concerns

PUBLISHED May 11, 2026, 7:12 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 100%

Sources: 8

United States. Gas prices increased across several regions this week, with GasBuddy and AAA reporting weekly and month-over-month gains on Monday. South Carolina's average rose to $4.11 per gallon, Rochester averaged $4.54, Michigan $4.73, Peoria $4.94, and Illinois registered among the highest statewide averages near $4.99. This week’s rises followed a brief easing in some Great Lakes states and comments from analysts that U.S.-Iran talks influenced oil prices; Patrick De Haan and AAA spokespeople warned of volatility. Governors in Indiana and Kentucky temporarily suspended gas taxes, while Illinois’ scheduled automatic tax increase remains set for July 1, affecting near-term pump prices.

By Shahbaz A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2019: Illinois enacts Rebuild Illinois law creating automatic gas-tax indexing.
2022: Governor Pritzker paused a scheduled gas tax increase amid high prices.
1 Jan 2023: Illinois reinstated the automatic gas tax increase after the election.
This week: GasBuddy and AAA reported mixed weekly changes with upward pressure in many metros.
1 July (upcoming): Illinois gas tax scheduled to rise from 48.3¢ to 49.6¢ per gallon.

News Intelligence

Your wallet is feeling the pinch as gas prices rise. If you're in Illinois, brace for more as the gas tax increase kicks in on July
Check your budget and plan your driving to avoid unnecessary trips.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Motorists in Indiana and Kentucky saw temporary relief after state gas tax suspensions, while fuel producers and oil exporters benefited from higher wholesale prices and rebound in oil markets.

Who Impacted

Drivers and commuters in South Carolina, New York (Rochester), Michigan, Peoria and Illinois faced higher pump prices, increasing household and commuting costs ahead of summer travel.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Motorists in Indiana and Kentucky saw temporary relief after state gas tax suspensions, while fuel producers and oil exporters benefited from higher wholesale prices and rebound in oil markets.

Who Impacted

Drivers and commuters in South Carolina, New York (Rochester), Michigan, Peoria and Illinois faced higher pump prices, increasing household and commuting costs ahead of summer travel.