Illinois Drivers Brace For Gas Tax Increase This Summer

What would Illinois be without continually increasing taxes and fees? You can't always predict the weather in the Land of Lincoln but rising costs to residents continue to be a safe bet.

As we near the beginning of the fiscal year, the grocery tax will stay the same but gas prices will be even more painful than last year.

Illinois Gas Taxes To Increase

Illinois drivers will soon face higher costs at the pump as gas taxes are set to rise this summer.

The motor fuel tax, which applies to gasoline, gasohol, compressed natural gas, and diesel fuel, is scheduled to increase starting this summer.

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The tax rate for gasoline and gasohol will go up by 3.1 cents per gallon, reaching 45.4 cents per gallon and the tax rate for diesel fuel will also rise by 3.1 cents, reaching 52.9 cents per gallon.

Why are gas taxes increasing?

The increase in gas taxes is not a sudden decision but rather an annual process established by law in 2019 which means the tax automatically increases each year to keep up with inflation.

What does the tax revenue support?

The revenue generated from motor fuel tax helps finance the state's infrastructure plan, known as Rebuild Illinois, which focuses on the maintenance and improvement of roads and bridges.

As of March 31, Rebuild Illinois has brought in $10.9 billion allocated which paved the way (no pun intended) for upgrades to 4,913 miles of roads, improvements to 479 structures such as bridges, and the implementation of 709 safety enhancements.

The motor fuel tax increase begins July 1, 2023.