Chicagoans Pay Most For Gas Nationwide

By NBC5.com

CHICAGO -- Chicago has received a dubious honor that has much of the city moaning.

A Lundberg Survey of 7,000 gas stations across the U.S. shows gasoline prices have hit yet another record, and Chicago has the highest prices in the nation at $3.29 a gallon.

The national average is $3.03 a gallon, up $1.06 since July 21st.

The lowest price for regular was $2.82 in Charleston, S.C.

A gallon of mid-grade gasoline averages around $3.13 and premium averages $3.23.

With the country's gas prices so high, political candidates are trying to turn pain at the pump into smart politics.

Republican hopeful for governor, Judy Baar Topinka, wants to suspend part of the state sales tax on gas.

State Treasurer Topinka said if she's elected governor, she will push legislation requiring utilities to get some of their energy from renewable sources, such as wind generation.


She also proposes requiring all gasoline sold in Illinois to contain ethanol, the fuel additive made from corn.

"I pledge to be a governor who will lead by harnessing the incredible resources of our farmers and agriculture industry to make Illinois the national leader in clean energy," Topinka said in a statement.