Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver

(The Center Square) – Gas prices have dropped across the country in recent months, but the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association is warning that higher prices may be on the way in the Land of Lincoln.

Illinois and five other Midwestern states opted out of a federal waiver regarding the weight of E10 gasoline, hoping the federal government would require year-round sales of E15.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker renewed his call for year-round E15 sales last month, saying the fuel blend with 15% ethanol would increase demand for corn by 2 billion bushels a year.

Illinois Fuel & Retail Association CEO Nate Harris said Illinois is stuck in the middle of a fight between the refining and ethanol industries.

“If current regulations go into effect in the summer, we’re likely to see 25 to 30 cent per gallon price increases,” Harris told TCS.

Harris said the IFRA supports year-round E15, but until a federal fix is enacted, Pritzker should follow Ohio’s lead by opting back into the E10...