Illinois Gas Prices Highlight the Benefits of Ethanol

Illinois drivers are paying significantly more for gasoline than drivers in many neighboring states. According to AAA, the statewide average for regular gasoline was $4.79 per gallon on Oct. 29, compared to $4.23 nationally. Diesel averaged $6.67 per gallon, adding to the fuel expenses farmers face during harvest.

Expanding access to ethanol blends could help provide relief at the pump while supporting Illinois agriculture. During an Oct. 27 event in Peoria Heights, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen highlighted the potential savings from E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. Sorensen said broader access to E15 could save drivers about 30 cents per gallon while helping farmers by increasing demand for corn.

“We as farmers, we’re going into our fourth consecutive year of lower than usual income,” said Mike Shane, Peoria, IL farmer. “Quick math: Thirty cents for a 1,000-acre farmer is about an extra $30,000 a year for him, which would help pay for some of these higher input prices we’re experiencing right now.”

Ethanol offers several benefits beyond potential savings at the pump. It supports domestic energy production, creates markets for U.S. grown corn, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional gasoline on a lifecycle basis.

Year-round nationwide access to E15 would give consumers more fuel choices, potentially lower costs at the pump, and strengthen demand for Illinois corn. Expanding ethanol could benefit drivers and farmers across the state.

Read what NCGA and other industry partners are saying about E15 this week.