Gas Prices On The Rise, Says AAA

20 May 1998

    BELLEVUE, Wash., May 19 -- The average price of self-serve,
unleaded gasoline rose 8 cents per gallon in western and central Washington
since mid-March, the first time in seven months prices have gone up. The
average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded self-serve fuel is now
$1.11,  compared to the Easter price of $1.03.  Last year at this time, the
regional average price was $1.29 cents a gallon. The current national average
is $1.09.
    Rising prices are attributed to increased demand by the start of the
summer driving season. Traditionally, Memorial Day kicks off the driving trend
and record numbers of travelers are expected to take to the roads this
weekend, more than 1 percent higher than last year. AAA estimates 26.7 million
people will travel by auto, light truck, or recreational vehicle, with another
5.4 million traveling by air, train or bus. The West leads the way with
6.9 million travelers.
    Favorite Washington Memorial Day destinations include state and national
parks, the Washington and Oregon coasts, Anaheim (Disneyland) and Las Vegas.
    AAA Washington is a not-for-profit organization with 13 offices in central
and western Washington. The club provides more than 570,000 members with
travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

                 AAA Washington Memorial Day Fuel Price Averages

      Area by Area Comparison of Self-Serve Regular Unleaded Fuel PricesCity

                                     Memorial        Easter 98     Memorial
                                      Day 98                        Day 97
    Bellevue/Eastside                  1.12            1.06          1.33
    Bellingham                         1.13            1.06          1.30
    Bremerton                          1.10             .97          1.31
    Everett                            1.14            1.06          1.32
    Lynnwood                           1.11            1.05          1.30
    Olympia                             N/A            1.05          1.31
    Renton                              N/A            1.05          1.30
    Seattle                            1.16            1.10          1.34
    Tacoma                             1.12            1.05          1.32
    Tri-Cities                         1.05             .99          1.10
    Vancouver                          1.12            1.01          1.31
    Wenatchee                          1.12            1.02          1.31
    Yakima                              N/A            1.03          1.25
    AVERAGE                            1.11            1.03          1.29