Illinois Diesel Hits Record High of $6.50 per Gallon
Diesel prices in Illinois reached a historical peak of $6.50 per gallon on Friday. Regular gas costs rose $1.43 year-over-year to an average of $4.85.
The average price of diesel in Illinois hit $6.50 per gallon on Friday. This figure marks the highest state-wide average ever recorded by AAA. Regular gasoline averaged $4.85 per gallon, a $1.43 increase from the same period last year. The state average for regular gas was 39 cents higher than the national average of $4.46.
Diesel prices surpassed the previous daily record of $5.819 set in June 2022. Gas prices had generally declined between late 2022 and early 2026. However, recent geopolitical events reversed this trend. The spike followed military actions involving Iran in late February 2026.
Middle East conflicts drive crude oil costs
Crude oil prices averaged $100 per barrel amid ongoing volatility. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain a primary factor. Houthi rebels in Yemen have seized islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These actions threaten key global shipping routes. A Saudi oil pipeline also suffered a recent attack.
The U.S. military reports hundreds of wounded personnel in the conflict with Iran. At least 18 service members have died. Economists question the assumption that fuel price hikes are temporary shocks. Kathy Bostjancic, chief economist at Nationwide, described the situation as a prolonged disruption. She noted that it is unclear when Middle East tensions will settle.
Regional price variations across northern Illinois
Illinois was the ninth most expensive gasoline market in the United States on Friday. It was the most expensive state east of the Mississippi River. Prices varied significantly across northern Illinois counties. The average in Whiteside and Ogle counties was $4.79. Kane County averaged $4.90, and Kendall County averaged $4.88.
Specific station prices showed wide disparities. Casey’s stations in Somonauk, Shabbona, and Hinckley sold regular gas at $4.79. A BP station in DeKalb charged $4.99. In Will County, the average was $4.90. Prices at individual stations ranged from $4.59 in Joliet to $4.70 in New Lenox. Data from GN auto markets/energy: gasoline prices confirms these local fluctuations.
Historical context of fuel price spikes
The highest regular gas price in Illinois was $5.56 on June 13, 2022. That peak followed Russia’s failed attempt to capture Kyiv. The national average is approaching the record high of $4.56 set on May 21 of this year. On September 3, the Illinois average was $4.32. By September 11, the national average had risen to $4.30.
