State and local gas prices increasingly more expensive

CHICAGO – State and local gas prices continue to trend more expensive since February. Last month consumers saw a hike of nearly 30 cents more per gallon. This month the increase is nearly equivalent. According to the American Automobile Association the state is averaging 2.74 cents per gallon, 29 cents more than last month and almost 60 cents more than January. LaSalle and Bureau County are averaging 2.54 cents per gallon, 20 cents more than last month. Putnam County continues to have the highest gas prices locally at 2.74 cents per gallon, a nearly 40 cent increase to February’s prices. The AAA says today’s national average is nearly a quarter more expensive than last month and only two cents more expensive than last year at this time.