Illinois motorists fume over high gas prices: 'They're gouging'

The horror in Homer Glen: A look at the pump prices at a local gas station. Photo credit Bernie Tafoya

By Bernie Tafoya

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois gas prices are said to have had among the highest increases in the country in the past week. While some motorists are resigned to the prices, others are not.

GasBuddy says Illinois gas prices jumped 34 cents in the past week, the fifth-highest increase in the country behind Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan. Those states, however, still have lower average gas prices than Illinois.

On Friday, the price at the Speedway gas station on 159th and Will-Cook Road in southwest suburban Homer Glen was nearly $5.56 a gallon for regular when Mike Kanosky was filling up.

“Well, when it reaches $121 to fill up your tank, all you can say is, ‘Wow,’” he told WBBM Newsradio.

Russ Draper says there has to be a way for prices to come down: “It’s crazy. It just can’t be. It’s too high. Barrel of oil’s up 115. They’re gouging prices.”

Laura Swason’s fill-up wasn’t as bad as it was when she filled up her husband’s vehicle recently.

“I don’t drive much anymore so it’s a little bit of a shock to see it’s over 5 ½ dollars. It’s pretty crazy. My husband drives premium so it’s even worse,” she said.

Ian Schaffer says he likes his gas-powered SUV but he’s ready to give it up.

“I moved here from Canada and it’s pretty ridiculous but it’s forced me and my family. We have to buy a hybrid or an electric.”

“We have to find a solution. This is a lot for gas,” says Sahar Mahdi, who was incredulous after her morning fill-up.

She added: “Look how small is my car. Look how much I fill my gas. Like, $70 for this little car? That’s a lot.”

Realtor Bob Gliwa no longer has sticker shock. He’s resigned to paying whatever the gas pump says. Not that he’s happy about it.

“Ridiculous. I mean, I live in Chicago and I’ve got to come all the way out here to save 10 cents.”

Is it worth it?

“Sometimes it is. Not all the time. I work around here.”

According to GasBuddy, the lowest increase in gas prices in the past week was in Hawaii. But that state still has the highest prices in the nation, averaging $5.40 a gallon.