By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — Gas prices in the city have risen more than 24 cents per gallon, breaking the longest downward streak since 2015.
According to GasBuddy’s survey of 139 stations in Rockford, the average price at the pump is $3.90 per gallon, which is a half-cent higher than a month ago. It’s the highest rate to start a week since Aug. 22.
Causes for the price spike include refinery issues and tropical storm Ian.
More news: Lawmakers working on relief for Rockford businesses that faced spike in unemployment rates
“One of the longest gas price declines on record has finally come to an end after 14 weeks, with gas prices shooting up in several regions amidst myriad refinery issues from the West Coast to the Great Lakes and in between,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a wider gamut of price behaviors coast to coast in my career.”
The national average also rose about 3 cents per gallon in the last week to an average of $3.67 per gallon.
Prices have the potential to continue to rise depending on the refinery conditions and tropical storm Ian.
Gas prices last week: Gas prices in Rockford decline for 14th week straight, longest streak since 2015
“A slew of unexpected refinery disruptions, including fires and routine maintenance, have seemingly all happened in a short span of time, causing wholesale gas prices to spike in areas of the West Coast, Great Lakes and Plains states,” De Haan said. “Some of those areas could see prices spike another 25-75 cents per gallon or more until issues are worked out.”
Sept. 26 gas prices | 10-year history
Year | Rockford average per gallon | national average
2021 | $3.21 | $3.17
2020 | $2.24 | $2.19
2019 | $2.57| $2.65
2018 | $2.88 | $2.87
2017 | $2.45| $2.56
2016 | $2.12 | $2.20
2015 | $2.34 | $2.28
2014 | $3.38 | $$3.34
2013 | $3.44| $3.42
2012 | $3.95|$3.80
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent