Chicago drivers frustrated by high gas prices, oil futures react as Strait of Hormuz remains closed

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Gas prices may not be falling drastically anytime soon. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday gas prices may not go below $3 a gallon until next year.

AAA says prices in Illinois are actually down slightly from a week ago, to $4.31 a gallon. The national average is also down slightly, to just below $4.05 a gallon. Sunday night, oil futures were rising.

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ABC7 crews more and more drivers come by the gas station and only fill up about half their tank as frustration continues to grow with the rising prices.

It does not appear that drivers will see relief at the pump in the near future as uncertainty continues overseas.

Oil futures are reacting to the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed with no clear path ahead for a resolution. U.S. and global oil futures are rising.

Gas Buddy reports the nationwide average gallon of regular is at about $3.99, but they say there could be notable jumps in the next two days with rising oil prices.

An Indiana resident named Trac was forced to fill up some gas in Chicago on Sunday, where prices are much higher than she's used to across state lines.

"I think I'm gonna have to start riding my horse or a bike, because we can't afford to keep driving at these prices," Tracy said. "Hopefully we'll make it back to Indiana and fill up the rest there."

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On Sunday, Secretary Wright warned that it may take some time for gas prices to drop and says Americans may not see a gallon of gas cost less than $3 until next year.

"That could happen later this year. That might not happen until next year, but prices have likely peaked and they'll start going down," Wright said. "Certainly with a resolution of this conflict, you'll see prices go down. Prices across the board on energy prices will go down."

That's something Chicagoans say is already impacting their own spending habits, and causing them to work more.

"The mortgage is already high and you got bills to pay, kids need to go to college, so need to take care of all those bills, and it makes it hard for everyone," Chicago resident Abraham Velezquez said.

Americans are now anxiously waiting for some relief from the conflict overseas.

In Chicago, the average gallon of regular is about $4.46.