January gas prices highest ever for this time of year

AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois, regular unleaded gasoline has increased 16 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $3.22 per gallon for the month of January.

That's 38 cents higher per gallon than last year.

Illinois January averages represent the highest prices ever for the start of a new year.

“Oil prices are trading at nearly $90 per barrel, which is having an enormous effect on the price of gasoline at the pump,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago, based in Aurora. “Unfortunately, at least in the near-term, consumers should get used to paying these high prices at the pump.”

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.37, which is up 18 cents from last month and 41 cents higher than last year's price-per-gallon.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.25 per gallon, which is a 15-cent increase from December and up 39 cents from last year.

In Kane County, gasoline averages $3.22 per gallon, which is 16 cents higher compared to last month and 38 cents higher than January 2010's price.

And in Lake County, prices average $3.20 per gallon, which is 17 cents higher than last month and up by 37 cents compared to this time last year.

Fuel prices are posted online at fuelgaugereport.com, which updates prices daily for unleaded, diesel and E85 blends of fuel.