Gas Prices Hit Record High, According to AAA Chicago

AURORA, Ill., May 18, 2004 -- According to AAA Chicago's most recent fuel gauge report, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois now averages a record high $2.07 per gallon, which is up 25 cents from this time last month and up 57 cents from last year's prices. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $2.03, which is up 27 cents from last month and up 64 cents from last year's prices. The six counties that make-up the Chicago metropolitan area also hit record highs.

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $2.22 per gallon, which is up 29 cents from last month's prices and up 64 cents from last year.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $2.14 per gallon, 12 cents higher than April prices and 27 cents higher than last year.

In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.13 per gallon, 30 cents higher than April prices and 63 cents higher than last year's prices.

In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.10 per gallon, 27 cents higher than April prices and 58 cents higher than last year.

In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.11 per gallon, 28 cents higher than April prices and 61 cents higher than last year.

In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.10 per gallon, 26 cents higher than April prices and 61 cents higher than last year.

"Gas prices have hit record highs mainly as a result of the continued high cost of crude oil, which is now priced above $40 a barrel," said AAA Chicago spokesman Steve Nolan. "If crude oil prices remain at these levels, motorists can expect to continue to pay high gas prices throughout the summer."

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.