Gas prices continue downward trend in Nov., according to AAA Chicago

AURORA, Ill., Nov. 12, 2003 -- According to AAA Chicago's most recent fuel gauge report, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois now averages $1.55 per gallon, which is down 7 cents from this time last month and even with last year's prices. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.44, which is down 3 cents from last month and up 4 cents from last year's prices.

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.70 per gallon, which is down 5 cents from last month and up 6 cents from last year.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.60 per gallon, 3 cents lower than October prices and 3 cents higher than last year.

In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.55 per gallon, 8 cents lower than October prices and even with last year's prices.

In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.58 per gallon, 5 cents lower than October prices and 4 cents higher than last year.

In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.60 per gallon, 3 cents lower than October prices and 3 cents higher than last year.

In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.55 per gallon, 10 cents lower than October prices and 2 cents higher than last year.

"The downward trend in gasoline prices is certainly good news for motorists who plan to travel by car this Thanksgiving," said AAA Chicago spokesman Steve Nolan. "The trend is reflective of an overall improvement of gasoline inventories in the U.S., a decrease in demand that we typically see this time of year and a general downward trend in the price of crude oil, which has dipped below the $30 per barrel level."

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.