Champaign Gas Prices Surge 24 Cents in a Week

GasBuddy reports average price reaches $3.69, the highest since 2024, as Iran War and seasonal factors drive up costs.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:49am

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The average price of gas in Champaign, Illinois has risen 24 cents in the past week to $3.69 per gallon, according to data from GasBuddy. This marks an 81-cent increase since the start of the month and an 89-cent jump from mid-February, with the last time prices were this high being the summer of 2024. The statewide average in Illinois has also risen 20 cents to $3.76 per gallon, while the national average has increased 23 cents to $3.77. Diesel fuel prices have also surpassed $5 per gallon nationally for the second time ever.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in gas prices in Champaign and across Illinois is being driven by the ongoing Iran War and seasonal factors, creating significant financial strain for consumers. This could impact consumer spending, transportation costs for businesses, and the overall economic recovery in the region.

The details

GasBuddy reported that the average price of gas across 79 stations in Champaign on Monday is $3.69, 24 cents higher than a week ago and 81 cents higher than the start of March. The cheapest gas in the area is $3.59 at multiple Casey's locations and the Murphy's USA in Savoy. The statewide average in Illinois has risen 20 cents to $3.76, while the national average is up 23 cents to $3.77. Diesel fuel prices have also surpassed $5 per gallon nationally for the second time ever.

  • The average price of gas in Champaign on Monday is $3.69.
  • The average price is 24 cents higher than one week ago.
  • The average price is 81 cents higher than the start of March 2026.
  • The last time the average price was this high in Champaign was in the summer of 2024.
  • The statewide average in Illinois has risen 20 cents to $3.76 per gallon.

The players

GasBuddy

A company that provides real-time gas price information and data to consumers and businesses.

Patrick De Haan

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

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What they’re saying

“Consumers continue to feel the sting of rising oil, gasoline, and diesel costs as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain elevated, pushing gasoline prices to their highest levels in years.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis (GasBuddy)

“Until we see a meaningful resumption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, upward pressure on fuel prices is likely to persist.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis (GasBuddy)

“Seasonal forces are also at play, with some regions of the US transitioning to summer gasoline. This is creating a double headwind that could continue driving pump prices higher in the weeks ahead.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis (GasBuddy)

What’s next

Analysts will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East and the transition to summer gasoline blends, which could lead to further price increases at the pump in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The sharp rise in gas prices in Champaign and across Illinois is creating significant financial strain for consumers, with the potential to impact consumer spending, transportation costs for businesses, and the overall economic recovery in the region. Consumers should plan ahead and consider ways to reduce fuel consumption, such as combining errands or exploring alternative transportation options.