Gas prices in Illinois are back on the rise after dropping to their lowest levels since 2009. The average price for a gallon of gasoline is now $2.30, up 18 cents from a month ago, but still down more than a dollar from a year ago.

Nationally, gas prices declined a record 123 consecutive days to $2.03 per gallon before increasing last week for the first time since September 25. The national average price is currently $2.15 per gallon.

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According to AAA Chicago spokesperson Beth Mosher, this increase in not unexpected:

“Many drivers are noticing an uptick in gas prices for the first time in months. It is typical to see gas prices increase this time of year due to refinery issues, yet hopefully the consumer impact will be less problematic given how low prices are today.”

The average price for January in Illinois was $2.07, a decrease of $.40 from the previous month and down $1.32 from the previous year. Here in Winnebago County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averaged $1.98 per gallon in January. It was $2.29 per gallon in Cook County.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Springfield are considering a gas tax hike in Illinois to pay for road building and maintenance projects. Though, if you read more closely, it appears it's more of a tax swap:

Under the proposal circulating in the Capitol, the state's current 19-cent tax on a gallon of gas would jump by 13 cents. Under the plan, however, motorists could see some relief by the elimination of most of the sales tax on gas.

No word on when the plan might come up for a vote.

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