AAA Chicago's August Fuel Report Shows Prices Remain High

AURORA, Ill., Aug. 17, 2006 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and northern Indiana have increased since last month. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has increased 2 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $3.15 per gallon for the month of August, which is up 52 cents per gallon from last year

"AAA Chicago reminds motorists to employ practical fuel conservation measures," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson. "Public transportation, routine vehicle maintenance, moderate speeds, combining trips and errands and using air conditioning on the recirculation setting can all conserve gasoline."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $3.06, which is up 3 cents from July and up 52 cents from August 2005.

  --  In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.30, which is up one cent compared to last month and 55 cents higher
      than last year's price-per-gallon.

  --  In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.20  per gallon, which is a one-cent increase from July and 53 cents
      higher than last year.

  --  In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.18 per gallon, which is the same compared to last month and
      54 cents higher than August 2005's price.

  --  In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.19 per gallon, which is unchanged from last month and up by
      52 cents compared to this time last year.

  --  In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.21 per gallon, which is up one cent from July's average and
      57 cents higher than July 2005's price.

  --  In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.22 per gallon, which is 3 cents higher compared to last month and
      55 cents higher compared to last year.

  --  In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.98 per gallon, which is an decrease of 5 cents from last month and
      54 cents higher than August 2005's price.

  --  In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.08 per gallon, an 4-cent decrease from July's average and an
      38-cent increase from a year ago.

  --  In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
      averages $2.98 per gallon, which is down 3 cents compared to last
      month and an increase of 57 cents from August 2005.

This year AAA Chicago celebrates 100 years of service, as 2006 marks the membership organization's centennial celebration. Formed in Chicago in 1906, the company represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).