Gas prices drop, but taxes make Illinois pricier than Midwest neighbors

(The Center Square) – Although Illinois drivers are now paying less at the pump, a state lawmaker says prices would be lower if not for the state’s high gas taxes.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Illinois dipped below $3 a gallon Friday to $2.99, down from $3.27 one month earlier.

State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said gas prices in his district range from the mid $2.40’s to the upper $2.70’s and low $2.80’s.

“You know, kind of central and east-central Illinois, the prices that we’re seeing now, I’ve not seen in a long time,” Halbrook told The Center Square.

Even with the price drop, Illinois remains the most expensive state in the Midwest for motor fuel.

“If we had not doubled the gas tax in 2019, we would see prices another 30 cents or so less than that. We could see some prices in the $2.15-$2.20 range if it wasn’t for the gas tax doubled,” Halbrook said.

Last July 1, Illinois’ motor fuel tax rose 1....