AAA's Monthly Fuel Report Shows Gas Prices Are Up in the New Year

AURORA, Ill., Jan. 19, 2006 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and Northern Indiana have increased since last month. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has increased 18 cents over the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.39 per gallon for the month of January and up 54 cents per gallon from last year.

"The price hike comes as crude oil costs continue to climb on energy security woes involving Iran and Nigeria," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago's director of public affairs. "In fact, crude oil was trading above $65 per barrel this week - a level not seen since the hurricanes of 2005."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.40, which is up 21 cents from December and up 60 cents from January 2005.

* In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.48, which is up 16 cents compared to last month and 54 cents higher than last year's price-per-gallon.

* In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.37 per gallon, which is a 15-cent increase from December and 51 cents higher than last year.

* In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.38 per gallon, which is up 16 cents compared to last month and 52 cents higher than January 2005's price.

* In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.40 per gallon, which is up 18 cents in the last month and up by 57 cents compared to this time last year.

* In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.38 per gallon, which up 15 cents from December's average and 54 cents higher than January 2005's price.

In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.37 per gallon, which is 15 cents higher compared to last month and 55 cents higher compared to last year.

* In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.44 per gallon, which is an increase of 21 cents from last month and 64 cents higher than January 2005's price.

* In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.37 per gallon, a 13-cent increase from December's average and a 59-cent increase from a year ago.

* In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.41 per gallon, which is up 22 cents compared to last month and an increase of 61 cents from January 2005.

AAA Chicago celebrates 100 years of service in 2006. Formed in 1906, AAA Chicago represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as their leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues. For more information on high gas prices and money-saving tips, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).

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 48 million members in the United States and Canada.