Gas prices continue to climb across the region, with a noticeable difference on either side of the Illinois–Indiana state line.
This week, some stations in Mt. Carmel were reporting prices as high as 4.99 a gallon. Just across the border in Princeton, drivers could find gas for as low as 4.38 and prices there could drop even further.
The difference comes as Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced an extension of the state’s suspension of both the gasoline sales tax and the 36-cent per gallon excise tax. The move, announced Wednesday at the Statehouse, will remain in effect for another 30 days.
According to AAA, Indiana’s average gas price is currently around 4.75 per gallon, about 20 cents higher than the national average. State officials say the tax suspension will provide roughly a 12 percent discount for Hoosiers at the pump.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has not indicated any plans to suspend gas taxes in Illinois, leaving drivers here continuing to pay higher prices.
Officials say Indiana’s tax break could continue to impact where drivers choose to fill up in the coming weeks.