Gas Prices Stabilize as Memorial Day Holiday Approaches

AURORA, Ill., May 14, 2003 -- Gas prices have remained relatively stable over the last month in Illinois and northern Indiana as we head towards the Memorial Day weekend, which traditional marks the beginning of the summer travel season.

According to AAA Chicago's most recent fuel gauge report, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois now averages $1.50 per gallon, which is down 5 cents from this time last month and equal to May prices in 2002. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.39, which is down 1 cent from last month and also is equal to last year's prices.

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.62 per gallon, which is down 4 cents from last month.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.53 per gallon, 3 cents lower than April prices.

In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.50 per gallon, 5 cents lower than April prices.

In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.53 per gallon, 1 cent lower than April prices.

In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.50 per gallon, 1 cent lower than April prices.

In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.49 per gallon, 3 cents lower than April prices.

"Gas prices have shaken off any effects of the war with Iraq and have settled at the same prices that were recorded at this time last year," said AAA Chicago spokesman Steve Nolan. "We would expect that gas prices would remain in the $1.50 a gallon range as they did last summer, barring any disruption of supply; however, price spikes at various times remain a possibility."

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada.