AAA Chicago's Monthly Fuel Report Shows Gas Prices Increase Sharply

AURORA, Ill., March 16 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and northern Indiana have decreased since last month. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has increased 14 cents over the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.44 per gallon for the month of March and up 36 cents per gallon from last year.

"Gasoline prices have begun their seasonal move higher," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago's director of public affairs. "Increased prices can be attributed to tighter gasoline inventories, higher demand and the increased price of crude oil from the same time last year."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.42, which is up 18 cents from February and up 33 cents from March 2005.

* In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.52, which is up 11 cents compared to last month and 33 cents higher than last year's price-per-gallon.

* In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.43 per gallon, which is a 15-cent increase from February and 31 cents higher than last year.

* In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.43 per gallon, which is up 15 cents compared to last month and 34 cents higher than March 2005's price.

* In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.42 per gallon, which is up 18 cents in the last month and up by 33 cents compared to this time last year.

* In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.42 per gallon, which is up 12 cents from February's average and 33 cents higher than March 2005's price.

* In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.44 per gallon, which is 17 cents higher compared to last month and 36 cents higher compared to last year.

* In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.48 per gallon, which is an increase of 35 cents from last month and 38 cents higher than March 2005's price.

* In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.41 per gallon, a 26-cent increase from February's average and a 35-cent increase from a year ago.

* In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.36 per gallon, which is up 17 cents compared to last month and an increase of 27 cents from March 2005.

This year AAA Chicago celebrates 100 years of service, as 2006 marks the membership organization's centennial celebration. Formed in Chicago in 1906, the company represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).