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Why Illinois drivers feel the pinch
Ever crossed from Missouri into Illinois and watched gas jump almost overnight? That sticker shock is at the heart of one “unlucky” state’s gas prices, which aren’t a mystery once you follow the taxes. The difference isn’t your imagination.
As of February 19, 2026, AAA lists the national regular average at about $2.93 per gallon. Illinois averages roughly $2.98, while Missouri is around $2.52, and Iowa is about $2.50. Local averages can be higher in places like Chicago. That gap adds up fast for commuters and families.
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The numbers behind the frustration
If you’re wondering why prices change so quickly at the state line, you’re not alone. One “unlucky” state’s gas prices aren’t a mystery once you follow the taxes, once you look at how Illinois builds its fuel costs.
Illinois consistently ranks among the Midwest’s highest gas-tax states. Drivers aren’t just paying for oil and refining; they’re covering layers of taxes and fees. Those layers create a built-in price floor that rarely drops much, even when crude oil prices ease.
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A tax system built to rise
Here’s where one “unlucky” state’s gas prices aren’t a mystery; once you follow the taxes, it becomes clear. In 2019, Illinois doubled its motor fuel tax to 38 cents per gallon. Since then, it has been tied to inflation…