AAA Chicago's Monthly Fuel Report Shows Gas Prices Decline

AURORA, Ill., Feb. 15, 2006 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and northern Indiana have decreased since last month. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has decreased 9 cents over the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.30 per gallon for the month of February and up 40 cents per gallon from last year.

"The declining price of gasoline echoes a recent drop in crude oil prices," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago's director of public affairs. "The drop in oil appears to be due to continued growth in domestic oil inventories."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.24, which is down 16 cents from January and up 39 cents from February 2005.

  -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.41, which is down 7 cents compared to last month and 42 cents higher
     than last year's price-per-gallon.
  -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.28 per gallon, which is a 9-cent decrease from January and 39 cents
     higher than last year.
  -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.28 per gallon, which is down 10 cents compared to last month and
     39 cents higher than February 2005's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.24 per gallon, which is down 16 cents in the last month and up by
     36 cents compared to this time last year.
  -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.30 per gallon, which down 8 cents from January's average and
     40 cents higher than February 2005's price.
  -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.27 per gallon, which is 10 cents lower compared to last month and
     40 cents higher compared to last year.
  -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.13 per gallon, which is a decrease of 31 cents from last month and
     21 cents higher than February 2005's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.15 per gallon, a 22-cent decrease from January's average and a
     26-cent increase from a year ago.
  -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $2.19 per gallon, which is down 22 cents compared to last
     month and an increase of 30 cents from February 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).