AAA Chicago Monthly Gasoline Price Data Reveals Steady Climb

AURORA, Ill., April 20 -- Month-to-month, the statewide average for gasoline in Illinois and Northern Indiana continues to rise. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that for the month of April 2005, Illinois motorists will pay an average of $2.31 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. That's up 23 cents from a month ago and is 49 cents higher than gas prices for this time last year. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $2.26, which is up 17 cents from March and up 50 cents from April 2004.

"The cost of crude oil coupled with increased demand worldwide are both contributing to the sharp rise of gasoline prices," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago spokeswoman. "Gasoline prices are nearly 50 cents higher than they were a year ago, and the summer driving season -- which historically gives way to increased demand -- is only just beginning."

   -- In Cook County, Ill. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.41, which is up 22 cents compared to last month and 48 cents
      higher than last year's price-per-gallon.
   -- In DuPage County, Ill. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.35 per gallon, which is a 23-cent increase from March and 50 cents
      higher than last year.
   -- In Kane County, Ill. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.34 per gallon, which is up by 25 cents compared to last month and
      51 cents higher than April 2004's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ill. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.31 per gallon, which is up by 22 cents in the last month and up by
      48 cents compared to this time last year.
   -- In McHenry County, Ill. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.31 per gallon, which is up 22 cents from March's average and 48
      cents higher than April 2004's price.
   -- In Will County, Ill. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.33 per gallon, which is 25 cents higher compared to last month and
      49 cents higher compared to last year.
   -- In Allen County, Ind. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.18 per gallon, which is an increase of nine cents from last month
      and 36 cents higher than April 2004's price.
   -- In Lake County, Ind. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.21 per gallon, a one-cent increase from March's average and a
      41-cent increase from a year ago.
   -- In St. Joseph County, Ind. self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
      averages $2.24 per gallon, which is up 15 cents compared to last
      month and an increase of 44 cents from April 2004.

Lathan adds that "fuel conservation is consumers' best defense in response to higher gas prices-and it's good for the environment." This conservation reminder is just in time for Earth Day on April 22, a timeframe when AAA hosts its battery recycling program, "The Great Battery Roundup". For gasoline conservation tips or information about AAA's Earth Day activities, visit http://www.aaa.com/ or call 1-866-YOUR-AAA.

For more than 100 years, AAA has represented the interests of the nation's motorists and served as an advocate for various traffic safety and travel related issues. AAA Chicago has served that role in Illinois since its founding in 1906.

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 46 million members in the United States and Canada.