Map Shows States Where Gas Prices Could Surge

A recent shutdown at the Joliet, Illinois ExxonMobil refinery could lead to significant increases in gas prices across parts of the Midwest. The facility, which typically processes 275,000 barrels of crude oil daily, was forced to halt operations on Monday, accounting for roughly 6 percent of Midwest refining capacity. Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis, warned that residents in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin are likely to see gas prices rise "very soon" due to the refinery outage.

Nationwide, average gasoline prices have been climbing, with the U.S. average rising 17.2 cents to $4.25 per gallon over the previous week. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Red Sea, and Russia have contributed to the price increase. Experts caution that the Midwest, particularly areas reliant on Joliet's supply, may experience the most significant impact.

While traditionally, seasonal relief arrives in the fall due to cheaper winter-grade gasoline, the current energy market is far from normal, driven by geopolitical conflicts and supply disruptions. Drivers can expect continued volatility at the pump, with prices potentially moderate if refinery operations normalize and oil prices ease.

However, further supply disruptions could exacerbate price increases, particularly in the Midwest and on the West Coast where gasoline costs are already high.