AAA Meets With U.S. Energy Secretary to Discuss Fuel Prices, Supplies and Consumer Education Efforts

    WASHINGTON--April 12, 2002--U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham met yesterday with representatives of AAA to discuss the outlook for summer gasoline supplies, prices and ways to keep American motorists informed about helpful fuel conservation techniques.
    During the meeting, AAA and the Department of Energy discussed the projected average summer gasoline price estimated to be approximately 8 cents lower per gallon than last summer. The projection assumes no further disruptions in world oil production will occur, and that the gasoline refining and distribution system in the United States will function this summer without any unexpected loss of capacity.
    AAA shared its belief that the department's projected average gasoline prices of less than $1.50 per gallon this summer should not deter motorists from planning and taking summer vacations. This is partly because many Americans are undoubtedly looking forward to summer trips after deferring some vacation travel over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
    AAA will detail its projections for summer travel at a news conference on May 16 in Washington, DC.
    AAA and the Energy Department also agreed to work together this spring and summer to make gasoline conservation information available to AAA members and the general public. These materials will be prepared and available for distribution to the public prior to the Memorial Day holiday.
    Lastly, the Energy Secretary and AAA reaffirmed their commitment to share data and disseminate information rapidly about gasoline supplies and prices if fuel supplies are disrupted, or are rumored by the public to have been disrupted.
    This commitment to share and release information quickly on gas prices to the media and to the public is intended to prevent panic buying or opportunistic pricing of gasoline in the event of a real or perceived threat to national security.
    To aid this effort, the Department of Energy is reactivating its Consumer Hotline, 800/244-3301, which should be used by consumers to report instances of very significant gasoline price hikes, or unexplained fuel outages. AAA members also are encouraged to continue reporting similar information to their local AAA club's Public Affairs Department.
    AAA's daily gas price information for the nation, each state and 250 local communities can be found on many AAA club web sites, or at www.fuelgaugereport.com. Information from the Department of Energy can be found at: www.energy.gov.
    AAA -- which has monitored gasoline prices for more than 25 years -- is North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization. AAA provides more than 45 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
    AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.aaa.com.