Refinery issues, global conflict driving up Midwest fuel prices before election
Analysts say the rally reflects refinery disruptions and Middle East unrest, with prices projected to stay above $4 a gallon before Election Day.
- As of Saturday, October 24, the national average for regular unleaded gas stood at $4.29, according to AAA, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and refinery disruptions.
- Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and a catalytic reformer shutdown at ExxonMobil's Joliet, Illinois refinery on October 20 have disrupted crude supplies and compounded upward pressure on fuel costs.
- Motorists in five Midwest states saw prices jump significantly in two days, with Illinois reaching $4.8990 and Michigan hitting $4.8371, reflecting regional supply tightness from the refinery outage.
- GasBuddy Petroleum Analyst Patrick De Haan ruled out prices falling below $4 before the November 3 general election, citing persistent supply constraints and geopolitical uncertainty.
- The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects prices will gradually decline in coming months, with the national average potentially falling below $4 in December as seasonal demand drops and refinery production increases.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Star Local
Refinery issues, global conflict driving up Midwest fuel prices before election
(The Center Square) – Eight days from the 2026 general election, fuel prices in the Midwestern Great Lakes region are again on the rise following more new issues at one Illinois refinery and continued global conflict.
Gas prices for 10/24/26: National average sitting at $4.29 per gallon
Motorists in five Midwest states have seen gas prices jump significantly in the past two days, but the national average remains steady. As of Saturday, Oct. 24, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is $4.29, according to AAA. That’s the same price it was as of Friday and is down just one cent from a week ago.
![[your]NEWS](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroundnews.b-cdn.net%2Finterests%2Ffb6dc495f74049f513563c33352175eaa0ecd509.jpg%3Fwidth%3D24&w=64&q=75){kind=small}
Gas Prices Expected to Remain Above $4 Through Midterm Elections as Iran War Disrupts Oil Markets
U.S. gasoline prices are expected to remain above $4 per gallon through the Nov. 3 midterm elections, with analysts warning that Middle East instability and ... The post Gas Prices Expected to Remain Above $4 Through Midterm Elections as Iran War Disrupts Oil Markets first appeared on [your]NEWS.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
![[your]NEWS](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroundnews.b-cdn.net%2Finterests%2Ffb6dc495f74049f513563c33352175eaa0ecd509.jpg%3Fwidth%3D60&w=128&q=75)
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
