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AAA Chicago: Gas price averages rise in September


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September averages higher than summertime prices

AURORA, IL--Oct. 3, 2012:  AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois, the average regular unleaded gasoline prices increased $.04 in September with an average cost of $4.07 for the month. This price is $.31 higher than last year.

In northern Indiana, gas prices averaged $3.99 in September, which is down $.01 from August 2012 and up $.35 from September 2011. Gas price averages for Illinois, Chicago and Indiana (entire state) were unusually higher in September than they were in the summer months due to record-low supplies.  

"Motorists are frustrated because gas prices are on the rise at a time of year when they typically begin to decline," said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago. "Despite an end to the busy driving season, record-low supplies are preventing drivers from catching much of a break."

The outlook for the rest of the year does not look optimistic for motorists. Nationally, AAA expects prices to continue to break daily records through the end of the year and it may be until November when prices start to break.

Other monthly averages across the region:

  • In Cook County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $4.32, which is up $.02 from last month and $.36 higher than last year's price-per-gallon.
  • In DuPage County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $4.15 per gallon, which is a 1-cent decrease from August and up $.32 from last year.
  • In Kane County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $4.13 per gallon, which is even compared to last month and $.33 higher than September 2011's price.
  • In Lake County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $4.12 per gallon, which is $.01 lower than last month and up by $.32 compared to this time last year.
  • In McHenry County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $4.15 per gallon, which is $.02 higher than last month's average and $.35 higher than September 2011's price.
  • In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $4.10 per gallon, which is $.02 lower compared to last month and $.30 higher compared to last year.
  • In Champaign County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.87 per gallon, an increase of $.06 from August and an increase of $.22 from last year.
  • In McLean County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.80 per gallon, which is even from last month and $.21 higher than last year.
  • In Peoria County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.92 per gallon, which is up $.07 compared to last month and up $.28 from September 2011.
  • In Sangamon County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.86 per gallon, which is $.04 higher than last month and $.31 higher than last year.
  • In Winnebago County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.99 per gallon, an increase of $.09 from August and $.25 higher than September 2011.
  • In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.84 per gallon, which is even from last month and $.25 higher than September 2011's price.
  • In Lake County , Ind. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.99 per gallon, a 2-cent decrease from August's average and a $.34 increase from a year ago.
  • In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.97 per gallon, which is $.02 lower than last month and $.34 higher than last year.
  • In St. Joseph County , Ind. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.89 per gallon, which is $.02 higher compared to last month and $.31 higher compared to last year.

Fuel prices are posted on-line at Fuel Gauge Report, which updates prices daily for unleaded, diesel and E85 blends of fuel.