Another month, another record for gas prices in Illinois. AAA said this month started with the highest gas prices ever for the month March.
Average prices in the City of Chicago ring in at $4.22 a gallon. That's up $0.26 from a month ago.
Drivers in the Chicago suburbs are paying around $3.99 a gallon. That's up $0.17 a gallon from last month.
AAA said the sharp price spike was due to refinery maintenance, and a decline in refinery production.
The average price of gas in metro Chicago was $3.93 in February, a 30-cent increase from the February 2012 price of $3.63 per gallon, according to Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago spokeswoman.
"Gas prices increased dramatically in February ... primarily due to a decline in refinery production," she said.
"There is still maintenance to be done before the Midwest shifts to a summer blend of gasoline [and] motorists are likely to face continued high prices."
The average price of gasoline has increased 59 cents per gallon in Illinois and 54 cents in Indiana since the beginning of the year, which is the highest price increase through the end of February on record, according to AAA.
Around the area, the average price of a regular unleaded gas in February:
Northern Indiana: $3.77, up 49 cents from January and 29 cents from February 2012.
Cook County, $4.01, up 49 cents from January and 31 cents from a year ago.
DuPage County, $3.87, up 48 cents from January and 30 cents from a year ago.
Lake County, $3.84 per gallon, up 48 cents from January and 32 cents from a year ago.
Kane County, $3.85 per gallon, up 49 cents from January and 31 from a year ago.
McHenry County, $3.83, up 48 cents from January and 33 cents from a year ago.
Will County, $3.85, up 49 cents from January and 32 cents from a year ago.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:26:00 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
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The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:51 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:51:56 GMT
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:49:58 GMT
Nine stops on the south branch of the CTA's Red Line – from Cermak/Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan - will be shut down starting Sunday for a five-month $1 billion reconstruction project.
Nine stops on the south branch of the CTA's Red Line – from Cermak/Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan - will be shut down starting Sunday for a five-month $1 billion reconstruction project.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:00 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:00:03 GMT
A truck driver was seriously injured when the semi-truck he was driving overturned on the exit ramp from the outbound Eisenhower Expressway to Route 83 North.
A truck driver was seriously injured when the semi-truck he was driving overturned on the exit ramp from the outbound Eisenhower Expressway to Route 83 North.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:51:57 GMT
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 AM EDT2013-05-15 13:12:16 GMT
A 38-year-old woman accused of dragging a Chicago Police officer from a vehicle while speeding away from a traffic stop Monday night has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, police said.
A 38-year-old woman accused of dragging a Chicago Police officer from a vehicle while speeding away from a traffic stop Monday night has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, police said.
