Local gas prices are expected to skyrocket today, by as much as fifteen cents a gallon. One reason, two Illinois refineries that supply the Milwaukee area are out of commission for two weeks. According to industry experts, one Wood River refinery is down to 50 percent production because of a fire last week. Another has been shut down for mechanical problems.
Shorter supply means higher prices.
In the past 20 years, the midwest has lost 30 refineries due in part to government regulations.