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Peoria market sees gas prices tick higher to start the new year

The average price for a gallon of unleaded gas checked in at just below $4.80 on Friday, according to AAA.
Joe Deacon
/
WCBU
The average price for a gallon of unleaded gas checked in at just below $4.80 on Friday, according to AAA.

Drivers in the Peoria area and across the country are facing higher prices at the pumps to begin 2025.

According to GasBuddy.com, the region’s current average charge for a gallon of regular unleaded was just above $3.20 as of midday Thursday.

That’s up almost seven cents from a week ago, and nearly 20 cents higher than the start of last year.

The website shows Peoria County’s average at about $3.24, while Tazewell County was a little above $3.18 and Woodford County was around $3.13.

Illinois’ statewide average stood at $3.21, while the current national average is $3.04.

GasBuddy’s projection for 2025 forecasts the yearly national average to drop about 11 cents from the final 2024 mark of $3.33.

“While declining fuel prices in 2025 will provide welcome relief to American drivers and businesses, emerging risks could lead to increased volatility,” Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, said in a news release.

“Geopolitical uncertainties, potential disruptions from extreme weather, and policy shifts under the new administration could create challenges for fuel markets. Despite this, expanding global refining capacity and moderating demand are expected to support lower prices for most of the year.”

Joe Deacon is a reporter at WCBU and WGLT. Contact Joe at jdeacon@ilstu.edu.