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AAA Chicago: Fuel Prices in Illinois Span Nearly $1.50 in 2007

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 20, 2007 -- Illinoisans saw the highs, lows and everything in between in gas prices in 2007. While the annual average for an unleaded gallon of gasoline was $2.86 for Illinois and $2.98 for Chicago, the year also brought all-time high prices of $3.52 for Illinois and $3.66 for Chicago on May 26, 2007. These figures are $1.43 and $1.50 higher than the year's lowest price of $2.09 and $2.16 (Illinois and Chicago), recorded by AAA on January 25, 2007.

"We saw great volatility in gas prices in 2007. Refinery problems early in the year and record-high oil prices caused gas prices to spike to new highs throughout the year," says Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago's spokesperson.

The 2007 annual average for gas prices is $.23 and $.28 higher in Illinois and Chicago than it was in 2006.

According to the Oil Price Information Service, which tracks fuel prices for AAA, Americans now spend almost 4 percent of their paycheck on gasoline. That's double the percentage of income set aside for fuel just five years ago.

Indiana drivers saw a similar pattern at the pump with an annual average of $2.59 in 2007 -- $.07 cents higher than last year's average. Indiana's highest price, $3.49, was recorded on May 26, 2007. That's $1.54 higher than the lowest price, $1.95, recorded Jan. 24, 2007.

Fuel prices are posted on-line at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/, which updates prices daily for unleaded, diesel and E85 blends of fuel.

AAA Chicago has represented roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues for more than a century.

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 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).