GOP lawmakers call for gas tax suspension as prices climb

(The Center Square) – State lawmakers on both sides of the aisle called for the wrangling of spiking gas prices Friday. With no clear timeline on when fuel costs could ease for consumers, representatives in Springfield said they want a solution for their constituents. The average price of fuel in Illinois has remained steadily above the national average as the costs of oil have sharply increased since the conflict between the U.S. and Iran began late last month. The average price per gallon in Illinois on Friday was $4.12, nearly 20 cents higher than the national average. At 48 cents a gallon, Illinois has one of the highest gas tax in the country, trailing only California’s 70-cents a gallon. Both the state average and national average have skyrocketed by more than a dollar a gallon in the last month, fueled by the ongoing conflict with Iran. State Rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville, called on Democrats to addres