As Prices at the Pump Rise, Look to Lemont Patch for the Cheapest Gas

With gas prices soaring over $4 last week, motorists across Chicagoland are on the hunt for cheapest places to fill their tank.

Thankfully, Patch is here to help.

Our traffic and gas center will show you the best per-gallon prices 24-7. It also tracks congestion on area streets and highways. 

As of Sunday night, the prices in Lemont ranged from $4.20 at , 12300 Archer Ave., to $4.30 at , 1196 State St. The cost is $4.25 per gallon at Shell, 12311 S. Archer Ave.

Not happy with the prices in Lemont? Our friends at Mapquest will show you the best prices from surrounding towns as well.

According to AAA, record corn prices and refinery problems in Indiana and Illinois caused gas prices to spike at the end of July in the Chicago area and around the Midwest. 

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The major price increase was the first since March and the largest July increase experienced since about 2000. The national average gas price increased 5.1 percent or 17 cents a gallon during the month of July. 

"Illinois, Indiana and states in the Midwest have seen prices rise since last week due to production issues at the BP refinery in Whiting, Ind. and the Citgo refinery in Lemont," Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago said in a news release. "With the supply from these refineries impacted, and the associated increase in wholesale prices already seen in the region, there is reason to suspect that prices in the areas supplied by these facilities may continue to rise until the situation is resolved."

In addition to the refinery problems, rising corn prices have caused ethanol costs to increase about 17 percent in July, according to a story in Huffington Post.

Prices are expected to remain flat with the possibility for a small increase during August and through Labor Day, according to AAA. After Labor Day prices should start to decline after the summer driving season. 

“Drivers will continue to face high pump prices in the weeks ahead as the summer draws to a close,” said Avery Ash, AAA spokesperson. “Relief fortunately may be around the corner as we expect gas prices to drop this fall.”

Glen Ellyn Patch Editor Mary Ann Lopez contributed to this report.

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