AAA Chicago Releases Monthly Perspective on Gasoline Prices

AURORA, Ill., Jan. 20, 2005 -- The statewide average for gasoline in Illinois and Northern Indiana has increased slightly in the past month; however, a few counties saw a decline in the price at the pump. Illinois motorists will pay an average of $1.85 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report. That's up 3 cents from a month ago and 26 cents higher than gas prices for this time last year. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.80, which is up 9 cents from December and up 25 cents from January 2004.

"With winter kicking into high gear, demand for and the price of crude oil has risen, which also causes the price of gasoline to rise," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago spokeswoman. "With more crude oil needed for heating oil, consumers are paying more at the pump."

In Cook County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.94, which is up one cent compared to last month and 25 cents higher than last year's price-per-gallon.

In DuPage County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.86 per gallon, which is an 11-cent decline from December and 24 cents higher than last year.

In Kane County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.84 per gallon, which is down by one cent compared to last month and 25 cents higher than January 2004's price.

In Lake County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.83 per gallon, which is down by 16 cents in the last month and up by 29 cents compared to this time last year.

In McHenry County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.84 per gallon, which is the same as December's average and 24 cents higher than January 2004's price.

In Will County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.82 per gallon, which is 2 cents higher compared to last month and 25 cents higher compared to last year.

For more than 100 years, AAA has represented the interests of the nation's motorists and served as an advocate for various traffic safety and travel related issues. AAA Chicago has served that role in Illinois since its founding in 1906.