AAA's Monthly Fuel Report Shows Gas Price Decline

AURORA, Ill., Oct. 19, 2005 -- Both statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and Northern Indiana have fallen during the past month primarily due to the recovery efforts in the Gulf after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has decreased 24 cents over the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.75 per gallon for the month of October and up 73 cents per gallon from last year.

"Consumers have seen some relief at the pump during the last month," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago's director of public affairs. "If the oil and gasoline industry continues to recover and demand for gasoline remains at reduced levels, it's likely we'll see further price decline."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.69, which is down 26 cents from September and up 73 cents from October 2004.

   -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.83, which is down 23 cents compared to last month and 71 cents
      higher than last year's price-per-gallon.
   -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.76 per gallon, which is a 22-cent decrease from September and 74
      cents higher than last year.
   -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.75 per gallon, which is down 24 cents compared to last month and 72
      cents higher than October 2004's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.70 per gallon, which is down 26 cents in the last month and up by
      68 cents compared to this time last year.
   -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.71 per gallon, which down 28 cents from September's average and 68
      cents higher than October 2004's price.
   -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.77 per gallon, which is 20 cents lower compared to last month and
      78 cents higher compared to last year.
   -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.71 per gallon, which is a decrease of 22 cents from last month and
      68 cents higher than October 2004's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.61 per gallon, a 32-cent decrease from September's average and a
      60-cent increase from a year ago.
   -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
      averages $2.72 per gallon, which is down 15 cents compared to last
      month and an increase of 67 cents from October 2004.

AAA Chicago will celebrate 100 years of service in 2006. Formed in 1906, AAA Chicago represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves their leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues. For more information on high gas prices and money-saving tips, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada.