gas

Today, September 1, is Circle K Fuel Day, and you can save 40 cents per gallon with no limit at all Illinois Circle K stations.

I'm not sure if these things have been around for a while or if I just missed it.

When it comes to goods and services across America, prices for just about everything is at an all-time high.

Before this morning's announcement by President Biden that the United States would stop purchasing Russian oil, the national average for a gallon of gas was $4.06, which is 45 cents more than a week ago, 62 cents more than a month ago and $1.30 more than a year ago.

Because of the current conflict in Ukraine, oil prices are shooting up above $100 a barrel, which will, of course, mean much higher prices at the pump here in Illinois and throughout the country. Just looking at today's news shows that the price per barrel has risen $19.

So Russia invades Ukraine, which causes rising oil prices to surge even further, and makes it an almost certainty that Illinois' gas prices (along with the rest of the country) are about to really go up.

The national average price for a gallon of gas rose sharply last week to $3.48, which is four cents more than a week ago. Here in Rockford, that number is $3.60 per gallon, when last week we were at $3.52.

Feel free to use the accompanying photo to practice making your "shocked face," because skyrocketing natural gas prices are about to really get your attention.

Nicor warns to be prepared to pay up if you're planning on turning up that thermostat.

So here's the great news as we head into a holiday weekend where more Illinoisans will be driving somewhere than we have in a decade: The new gas taxes kick in today.