GasBuddy: Independence Day weekend gas prices projected to be lower from a year ago

Posted on June 30, 2023
According to GasBuddy’s 2023 summer travel survey, 36% of drivers are planning to take a road trip over the Independence Day weekend, up 9% from last year. (WJBC file photo)

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Some good news for summer road trippers this 4th of July weekend, as gas prices should be cheaper than a year ago, according to GasBuddy.

Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“Going into July 4th prices have been down over the last week, but my goodness, we are going to be spending about a $1.50 less this July 4th compared to last year, so a big improvement there,” said De Haan.

Starting July 1, Illinois’ motor fuel tax will go up three cents after being delayed.

According to GasBuddy’s 2023 summer travel survey, 36% of drivers are planning to take a road trip over the Independence Day weekend, up 9% from last year.

De Haan says though prices at the pump remain volatile amidst global economic uncertainty, they are projected to remain in the $3.50-$4 per gallon range throughout the rest of the summer.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…