Gas Prices Up in Vernon Hills

The majority of states may be experiencing a drop in gas prices, but not Illinois and other parts of the Midwest, according to AAA.

Record rainfall that led to flooding and reduced production related to refineries shifting over to "summer-blend" gasoline are part of the reason, reports AAA. There was also an explosion at a Detroit refinery on April 27, though that incident was not expected to contribute to higher prices for motorists.

The current average price for regular unleaded in Illinois is $3.95. Last month, the average was $3.84. A year ago the average was $4.02. The highest recorded average was $4.31 on May 5, 2011, according to AAA.

Price gouging?

Many local residents are feeling like gas stations are price-gouging and maybe even taking advantage of flood victims. Here are a couple of the comments readers posted on Vernon Hills Patch Facebook:

"Anything over 2.00 a gallon is whacked," said Tony Pignaloni.

"Ridiculous, especially since I heard they are down in the rest of the country!" said Barbara Karen Hunter.

Vernon Hills gas

As of Friday morning, the following gas stations had the lowest prices in Vernon Hills, according to Mapquest:

• $4.07 at Mobil (Peacock Car Wash), 860 S. Milwaukee Ave.
• $4.12 at Shell (Ernie's), 909 S. Milwaukee Ave.
• $4.12 at Mobil, 485 E. Townline Rd.

Tell us what you think about the gas prices in the comments.