Free gas is available in Chicago at select locations thanks to entrepreneur Willie Wilson, including at 7201 N Clark, 2800 S Kedzie

By Jasmine On Mar 17, 2022

CHICAGO (WLS) – Millionaire businessman and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson is donating $200,000 worth of free gas Thursday through Chicago.

Starting at 7 a.m., each vehicle at participating gas stations can get $50 in gas until they run out of $200,000, as residents struggle with rising gas prices.

“Rising gas prices have caused suffering to many of our citizens. The average price of regular gas has exceeded $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now nearly 50 percent higher than last year,” Wilson said in a statement. An embargo on Russian oil and high taxes contribute to higher fuel prices.”

Gas station owners Khalil Abdullah and Amin Ibrahim said they would lower gas prices during Wilson’s gift as well.

“As gas station owners, we have decided to lower our gasoline prices during Dr. Wilson’s donation of gas in an effort to allow more cars to benefit from Dr. Wilson’s generosity,” Abdullah said.

By 7 a.m. at Amoco at 7201 N. Clark St. At Rogers Park, the line, which started at 2 a.m., went down Touhy Street to Sheridan Road.

Table of Contents

Watch: Lines wrap around blocks at gas stations across town

Ricky Kimmons, an Evanston carpenter, said high gas prices had hit him hard. It was ranked second in Rogers Park.

‘I was like, ‘Is this real?’ Then I saw it on the news, so I started trying to figure out the locations, and I said, ‘Oh, there’s one here by the house five minutes away.

Wilson said he’d like to try this type of giveaway one or two more times.

The atmosphere has turned like a back door in some places, as those waiting to walk their dogs and befriend others wait in line.

“You’re trying to provide for your family, you’re trying… to raise your kids in the neighborhood, and this is a good opportunity to help us get home from school,” said Nikki Hammer.

But the free gas caused a traffic jam around most of the stations, which contributed to the difficulty of getting around in the morning for many.

WATCH: Chopper 7 hovering over a traffic jam at 99 and Halsted due to free gas distribution

Chicago police are trying to direct motorists to ease congestion.

Participating sites include:

Amstar, 368 E Garfield Boulevard.
– Citgo, 9155 S. Stony Island Ave.
– Marathon, 1839 AH 95th Street.
– Citgo, 1345 N. Pulaski Road
Gulf, 9901 Halstead Street.

Mobil, 2800 S. Kedzie Ave.
– Amoco, 7201 N. Clark St.
– BP, 4359 N. Pulaski Road
– Marathon, 340 S. Sacramento Blvd.
– Falcon, 43 N. Homan Street.