AAA Chicago: Relief at the Pump as Fuel Prices Drop

AURORA, Ill., Sept. 15 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and northern Indiana have decreased substantially since last month. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has decreased 43 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.72 per gallon for the month of September, which is down 27 cents per gallon from last year

"Consumers will find lower fuel prices heading into the fall," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson. "Lower crude oil prices, greater stability in the geopolitical scene and a relatively calm hurricane season so far have helped lower prices at the pump."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.54, which is down 52 cents from August and down 41 cents from September 2005.

   -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.94, which is down 36 cents compared to last month and 12 cents
      higher than last year's price-per-gallon.
   -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.87 per gallon, which is a 33-cent decrease from August and 11 cents
      lower than last year.
   -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.79 per gallon, which is 39 cents lower compared to last month and
      20 cents lower than September 2005's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.75 per gallon, which is down 44 cents from last month and down by
      21 cents compared to this time last year.
   -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.73 per gallon, which is down 48 cents from August's average and 26
      cents lower than September 2005's price.
   -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.86 per gallon, which is 36 cents lower compared to last month and
      36 cents lower compared to last year.
   -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.41 per gallon, which is a decrease of 57 cents from last month and
      52 cents lower than September 2005's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.63 per gallon, a 45-cent decrease from August's average and a 30-
      cent decrease from a year ago.
   -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
      averages $2.51 per gallon, which is down 47 cents compared to last
      month and a decrease of 36 cents from September 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).