by Don Corrigan
Fuel prices at Missouri and Illinois gas pumps have skyrocketed due to the conflict and turmoil in the Middle East, which affects global crude oil costs. Some legislators seek to soften the blow of high prices with an ethanol blend fuel solution.
Illinois drivers face some of the highest costs in the Midwest with gasoline averaging more than $4.20 – $4.30 per gallon. Missouri prices, though lower, also have seen significant upward trends.
The Land of Lincoln has experienced severe surges, with averages around $4.30 per gallon. The per gallon cost in Metro East area exceeds $4, while prices at some Chicago locations are approaching $5 per gallon. Costs for diesel fuel can be as high as $6.50 – $7.
Missouri gas prices, while historically cheaper than neighboring states, have risen to over $3 per gallon in most areas, with St. Louis leading the state in higher average costs of $3.85 to $4.
Experts say the situation is volatile, and steep prices will persist depending on geopolitical developments. In an effort to ease the pain for drivers, legislators and governors are urging action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said he will allow gas stations to sell a blended fuel containing 15% ethanol into the summer season as part of an effort to lower gas prices.
The blend is normally prohibited in many Midwest states over the summer months to reduce smog. The blend known as E15 contributes to foul air that in recent years has been aggravated by wildfire smoke from western states and from Canadian fires.
The move by EPA, which ethanol producers are applauding, could prevent more spikes in prices at the pump during the war with Iran, which has thrown oil markets in disarray worldwide.
Officials in corn-producing states have sought waivers on E-15 prohibitions, and are pushing for year-round availability of the product. Ethanol is manufactured from corn grown in states like Missouri, Iowa and Illinois..
Midwestern governors, including Republicans Kim Reynolds of Iowa and Mike Kehoe of Missouri have supported expanded E-15 use. Democrats Tim Walz of Minnesota and JB Pritzker of Illinois have also supported EPA waivers for ethanol.
The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee also has endorsed such waivers. Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, said the move will help lower costs and decrease dependence on foreign oil.
The Renewable Fuels Association has noted that E15 adds a reliable home-grown supply of plant materials to reduce prices for consumers at the pump.
Fuel prices have spiked since U.S. President Donald Trump launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Oil tanker transports through the Strait of Hormuz has been stymied by threats from Iran during the conflict.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said recently that gas prices are not likely to drop below $3 per gallon until well into 2027 because of the Iran conflict. However, Trump said Wright is “totally wrong” and that gas prices will plummet just as soon as the war is ended.
Environmental Echo 