Gas Prices Continue Downward Trend in Dec., According to AAA Chicago

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 17, 2003 -- According to AAA Chicago's most recent fuel gauge report, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois now averages $1.53 per gallon, which is down 3 cents from this time last month and up 15 cents from last year's prices. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.43, which is down 2 cents from last month and up 17 cents from last year's prices.

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.64 per gallon, which is down 6 cents from last month and up 18 cents from last year.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.53 per gallon, 7 cents lower than November prices and 16 cents higher than last year.

In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.50 per gallon, 4 cents lower than November prices and 14 cents higher than last year's prices.

In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.54 per gallon, 5 cents lower than November prices and 18 cents higher than last year.

In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.57 per gallon, 4 cents lower than November prices and 18 cents higher than last year.

In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.48 per gallon, 8 cents lower than November prices and 19 cents higher than last year.

"The downward trend in gasoline prices is certainly good news for motorists who plan to travel by car during the holidays," said AAA Chicago spokesman Steve Nolan. "In addition, the recent capture of Saddam Hussein should be positive for the long-term recovery of Iraq's oil industry and for lower oil prices at some point in the future."

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.