South Suburban Residents Curb Spending Amid Soaring Gas Prices

Families and small businesses in Chicago's south suburbs struggle with the impact of record-high fuel costs.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:44pm

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A minimalist illustration using geometric shapes and a muted color palette to conceptually represent the economic impact of rising gas prices on suburban households and small businesses.The financial strain of soaring gas prices forces south suburban families and small businesses to rethink their budgets and daily routines.Chicago Today

As gasoline prices spike due to the war in Iran, consumers across Chicago's south suburbs are making significant changes to their spending and behaviors. Residents like Stephanie Luster, Dalton Campbell, and Corrine Wilkerson are cutting back on discretionary expenses, planning grocery trips more strategically, and limiting leisure activities to cope with the financial strain of record-high fuel costs.

Why it matters

The rise in gas prices is having a cascading effect on the local economy, forcing families and small businesses to rethink their budgets and curtail spending. This could lead to broader economic impacts, from reduced consumer activity to challenges for service providers like home healthcare workers who rely on driving. The story highlights how inflation and global events are directly affecting the daily lives of south suburban residents.

The details

Residents across Flossmoor, Homewood, Lansing, and Calumet City are reporting major changes to their spending habits. Stephanie Luster, a Flossmoor entrepreneur and mother of two, is now carefully planning meals and grocery trips to save money. Dalton Campbell, a DoorDash driver from Lynwood, says he's paying an extra $130-$150 per week on gas, forcing him and his nurse wife to "cut back on a lot of stuff." Visiting nurse Marsha Green says she's spending $50 more per week on gas and has had to increase her patient load to make up the difference. Lola Horton, who runs a home daycare in Calumet City, says field trips now cost more, while her husband's appliance repair business faces higher fuel expenses.

  • Gas prices in the Chicago metro area have risen from $3.53 per gallon a year ago to $4.55 per gallon as of April 2026.
  • The average price of premium gas is now $5.65 per gallon, up nearly 80 cents from a month ago and $1.06 higher than a year earlier.
  • The average price of diesel fuel, which powers the trucks that transport goods, is $5.45 per gallon, up $1.87 from a year earlier.

The players

Stephanie Luster

A Flossmoor entrepreneur and mother of two who is carefully planning meals and grocery trips to save money due to higher gas prices.

Dalton Campbell

A Lynwood resident who works as a DoorDash driver and is paying an extra $130-$150 per week on gas, forcing him and his family to cut back on expenses.

Marsha Green

A visiting nurse who is spending $50 more per week on gas and has had to increase her patient load to make up the difference.

Lola Horton

Operates a home daycare in Calumet City, where field trips now cost more, and her husband's appliance repair business faces higher fuel expenses.

Corrine Wilkerson

A Homewood resident and owner of a travel agency who is paying over $100 per week to fill up her SUV, on top of higher grocery, utility, and travel costs.

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What they’re saying

“I'm getting the sales circulars that come in the mail or email, reviewing them and planning meals around that because something that used to cost $30 or $40, I'm now spending $50 to $60 for one meal for my family. I'm being more strategic with how much I cook so we have leftovers for multiple days.”

— Stephanie Luster, Flossmoor resident

“These prices are kicking my butt. I'm paying between $130 and $150 extra a week on gas. We're cutting back on a lot of stuff.”

— Dalton Campbell, Lynwood resident

“I've been impacted terribly. I see patients in the community, and I get paid per visit. But I don't get reimbursed for higher gas costs. I'm watching my driving time. I'm not going out as much.”

— Marsha Green, Visiting nurse

What’s next

As gas prices continue to rise, local officials and community leaders may need to explore ways to support families and small businesses, such as targeted assistance programs or incentives for fuel-efficient transportation options.

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices is forcing south suburban residents to make difficult choices, from cutting back on discretionary spending to rethinking long-term plans like family vacations. This economic strain highlights the ripple effects of global events on local communities and the need for innovative solutions to help residents and small businesses weather the storm.