Gas prices statewide spike

OTTAWA – Statewide and area county gas price averages have taken a spike compared to this time last month. American Automobile Association numbers show Putnam County has the highest gas price average locally of $3.55 per gallon. Bureau and LaSalle county are both averaging around $3.53, up 20 cents per gallon since last month. Statewide, prices are also up 20 cents, now at $3.61 per gallon. AAA says a slight increase in demand has contributed to price increases, while elevated crude prices continue to put upward market pressure on pump prices.