Average retail gasoline prices in Illinois fell 8 cents a gallon in the past week, averaging $1.59 statewide Monday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 4,378 gas outlets in Illinois. This compares with the national average that dropped 5 cents last week to $1.74, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Illinois during the past week, prices Monday were 71.3 cents a gallon lower than a year ago and are 41 cents lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 25 cents a gallon during the last month and is 43 cents lower than a year ago.

In the Jacksonville area, most stations were at $1.45 a gallon Monday.

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“Gasoline prices continue to plunge coast to coast as refiners continue to churn out winter-spec gasoline that will soon need to be purged,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “Refiners will continue selling any winter spec gasoline at bargain basement prices to rid themselves of it before specifications change heading into summer. In the days ahead, expect this seasonal ‘clearance sale’ of gasoline to continue, leading to lower prices in most areas. But don’t get too relaxed — the shift in specifications will lead to an eventual lift in prices once winter gasoline is gone.”

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