Gas prices across Wisconsin saw a big jump overnight, in some cases erasing months of downward progress.
AAA-Wisconsin spokesman Nick Jarmusz said the increase is due to the emergency partial shutdown of a BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana. The refinery provides much of the fuel that goes out across the Great Lakes Region, particularly markets such as Chicago, Milwaukee, and southern Wisconsin. The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel was up 10 cents overnight, while the average price in the Milwaukee area climbed 19 cents.
Jarmusz noted that, despite the increase, prices are still much lower than they were at this time last year or even a month ago. The statewide average is currently at $2.67 a gallon, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. It was about $3.48 at this time last year and $2.75 a month ago.
For now, Jarmusz said prices will likely continue to climb until the refinery is back online. BP has not given any indication for when it hopes to complete maintenance on its refinery, although Jarmusz pointed to unconfirmed reports that estimate it could be at least a month.