Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — Gas prices in the Springfield area and throughout the State of Illinois increased in the past week, but one industry watchdog says prices are expected to decline by the Fourth of July.

According to GasBuddy.com, the statewide average for a gallon of unleaded Sunday sat at $3.46 a gallon — an increase of 5.3 cents from the week ago.  AAA has their statewide average price at $3.47 — down from the day before, but higher than last week.

Locally, GasBuddy has most Springfield gas prices ranging from $2.99 a gallon near White Oaks Mall, to $3.49 near Grandview.  AAA’s Sangamon County price average is at $3.283 a gallon as of Monday afternoon.

“The national average price of gasoline has resumed its decline, with falling prices driven by easing tensions in the Middle East—just weeks after those same tensions had pushed prices higher,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, in a news release. “For motorists planning to hit the road for Independence Day, gas prices are expected to continue falling nearly coast to coast in the lead-up to July 4. Relief could expand as the holiday weekend approaches, with the national average on track to hit its lowest July 4 level since 2021 at $3.15 per gallon, we project. As long as tensions in the Middle East remain contained and the U.S. avoids a major hurricane, we could see the national average fall below $3 per gallon later this summer.”

GasBuddy anticipates the national gas price average to be down to $3.15 a gallon by Independence Day, Friday, which would make it the lowest national average on July 4th since 2021.  AAA currently has the price average at $3.18.