AAA Chicago: October Monthly Fuel Price Averages Lowest for the Year

AURORA, Ill., Oct. 13, 2006 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and northern Indiana have decreased substantially since last month. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois, regular unleaded gasoline has decreased 45 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.27 per gallon for the month of October, which is down 48 cents per gallon from last year.

"Prices have dropped between 40 and 50 cents since September, which is enough for consumers to feel real relief at the pump," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson. "Barring a major political event or weather disaster, it's likely that prices will continue to decline into November."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.12, which is down 42 cents from September and down 57 cents from October 2005.

   -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.47, which is down 47 cents compared to last month and 36 cents
      lower than last year's price-per-gallon.
   -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.35 per gallon, which is a 52-cent decrease from September and 41
      cents lower than last year.
   -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.29 per gallon, which is 50 cents lower compared to last month and
      46 cents lower than October 2005's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.25 per gallon, which is down 50 cents from last month and down by
      45 cents compared to this time last year.
   -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.24 per gallon, which is down 49 cents from September's average and
      47 cents lower than October 2005's price.
   -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.37 per gallon, which is 49 cents lower compared to last month and
      34 cents lower compared to last year.
   -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.17 per gallon, which is a decrease of 24 cents from last month and
      54 cents lower than September 2005's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.14 per gallon, a 49-cent decrease from September's average and a
      47-cent decrease from a year ago.
   -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
      averages $2.11 per gallon, which is down 40 cents compared to last
      month and a decrease of 61 cents from October 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).