AAA Chicago's July Fuel Report Shows Record High Prices in Illinois

AURORA, Ill., July 12 -- 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 19 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $3.13 per gallon for the month of July, which is up 77 cents per gallon from last year. This monthly average surpasses record-high prices set in September 2005 which were largely due to the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"The high fuel price reflects strong demand for gasoline by July 4th travelers, but also a run up in crude oil prices in early July," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson.

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $3.03, which is up 20 cents from June and up 77 cents from July 2005.

  -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.29, which is up 21 cents compared to last month and 81 cents higher
     than last year's price-per-gallon.
  -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.19 per gallon, which is a 25-cent increase from June and 80 cents
     higher than last year.
  -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.18 per gallon, which is up 22 cents compared to last month and 81
     cents higher than July 2005's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.19 per gallon, which is up 24 cents in the last month and up by 81
     cents compared to this time last year.
  -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.20 per gallon, which is up 23 cents from June's average and 81 cents
     higher than June 2005's price.
  -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.19 per gallon, which is 26 cents higher compared to last month and
     85 cents higher compared to last year.
  -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.03 per gallon, which is an increase of 18 cents from last month and
     63 cents higher than July 2005's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.12 per gallon, an 18-cent increase from June's average and an
     75-cent increase from a year ago.
  -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $3.01 per gallon, which is up 13 cents compared to last month
     and an increase of 67 cents from July 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).