AAA Chicago's May Fuel Report Reflects Continued Price Increase

AURORA, Ill., May 17, 2006 -- 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 22 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.95 per gallon for the month of May and up 80 cents per gallon from last year.

"Fuel prices have continued to rise throughout the spring primarily due to the high cost of crude oil, which set a record in April," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson. "It's important that consumers remember to keep their vehicle maintained, drive the speed limit and ensure their tires are properly inflated to achieve the best mileage possible."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.91, which is up 19 cents from April and up 86 cents from May 2005.

   -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.04, which is up 21 cents compared to last month and 76 cents higher
      than last year's price-per-gallon.
   -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.93 per gallon, which is a 20-cent increase from April and 70 cents
      higher than last year.
   -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.93 per gallon, which is up 21 cents compared to last month and 73
      cents higher than May 2005's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.92 per gallon, which is up 20 cents in the last month and up by 75
      cents compared to this time last year.
   -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.94 per gallon, which is up 21 cents from April's average and 78
      cents higher than May 2005's price.
   -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.94 per gallon, which is 22 cents higher compared to last month and
      74 cents higher compared to last year.
   -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.90 per gallon, which is an increase of 15 cents from last month and
      91 cents higher than May 2005's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.93 per gallon, a 26-cent increase from April's average and a 89-
      cent increase from a year ago.
   -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
      averages $2.92 per gallon, which is up 26 cents compared to last month
      and an increase of 93 cents from May 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).