Gas Prices Up After More Refinery Issues

Illinois drivers are feeling another pinch at the pump. AAA reports the statewide average for regular unleaded hit $4.89 a gallon Monday, up 22 cents in just one week. The spike comes after reported refinery problems at BP’s Joliet facility, where the company said Thursday it was working to resolve an operational issue. Reduced refining capacity has been blamed for the sudden increase, following a September power outage that knocked the entire plant offline for several days. Analysts expect prices to ease once the latest issue is fixed, possibly early this week.