AAA Chicago's April Fuel Report Reflects Sharp Price Increase

AURORA, Ill., April 12 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and northern Indiana have increased significantly since last month. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has increased 29 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.73 per gallon for the month of April and up 42 cents per gallon from last year.

"Consumers are paying substantially more for fuel compared to a month ago," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago's director of public affairs. "Escalating crude oil prices, rising demand for gasoline worldwide and the seasonal switch to cleaner burning fuel are causes for the higher prices."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.72, which is up 30 cents from March and up 46 cents from April 2005.

  -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.83, which is up 31 cents compared to last month and 42 cents higher
     than last year's price-per-gallon.
  -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.73 per gallon, which is a 30-cent increase from March and 38 cents
     higher than last year.
  -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.72 per gallon, which is up 29 cents compared to last month and
     38 cents higher than April 2005's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.72 per gallon, which is up 30 cents in the last month and up by
     41 cents compared to this time last year.
  -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.73 per gallon, which is up 31 cents from March's average and
     42 cents higher than April 2005's price.
  -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.72 per gallon, which is 28 cents higher compared to last month and
     39 cents higher compared to last year.
  -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.75 per gallon, which is an increase of 27 cents from last month and
     58 cents higher than April 2005's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.67 per gallon, a 26-cent increase from March's average and a 46-cent
     increase from a year ago.
  -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $2.66 per gallon, which is up 30 cents compared to last month
     and an increase of 40 cents from April 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).