Illinois gas tax bringing drivers to Wisconsin for lower prices

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- People who live near the Wisconsin/Illinois border may notice more neighbors from the south at the gas station after big increases in Illinois' gas tax took effect Monday. 

The gas tax in Illinois doubled from 19 cents to 38 cents. The money will be used to pay for a massive capital construction plan.

"If it means fixing the roads, I am happy with that," said one driver in Illinois. 

In Trevor, gas is about $2.79 but just half a mile across the border it will cost you $0.33 more and Illinois gas station owners say that number will rise. 

"We will be at least 20-30 cents higher than Wisconsin, so that will really affect our business," said Sam Dharni who owns the Shell gas station in Antioch. 

Dharni expects gas will be about $3.32 a gallon when the new gas shipment comes in. 

"I think it's ridiculous they are going that high," says Kevin Welter who lives near the border. 

As for the Citgo in Trevor, they are trying to keep up with demand. 

"Very busy between the gas tax, tobacco tax, we've increased in business big time," said Christie Gehrke who works at the Citgo in Trevor. 

Some of the regular customers from Wisconsin and Illinois have noticed. 

"With this new tax, everyone started to come to this gas station, so I am going to start going deeper into Wisconsin," said Dylan McBride, a delivery driver from Illinois. 

Despite the tax hike, some Illinois drivers don't have plans to cross over anytime soon. 

"I'm loyal to Illinois," said Mike Hogan, from Antioch.

Gas station owners just over the Illinois border are hoping other customers remain loyal as well. 

"It may be a few dollars, maybe a dollar per tank they will save, but they will still have to drive up," said Dharni.