Gas Prices Still on the Rise AAA Reports
31 August 1999
Gas Prices Still on the Rise AAA Reports BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 31 -- Holiday motorists can expect
dramatically higher prices at the pump compared to last Labor Day weekend.
The average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in central and
western Washington this Labor Day weekend is $1.44, over 32 cents a gallon
higher than last year. Prices have increased 7.6 cents a gallon since
Fourth of July 1999.
The national average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
increased 8 cents during the last month to $1.255 per gallon, 18 cents higher
than last Labor Day.
Rising gas prices aren't keeping holiday travelers home this holiday
weekend. An estimated 34.8 million Americans are expected to travel 100 miles
or more from home this Labor Day holiday -- the second highest total in
history. Favorite holiday destinations for Washingtonians are Victoria, B.C.,
the Oregon Coast, Reno and Las Vegas.
Area by Area Comparison of Self-Serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices
City Labor July 28, Fourth of Labor Day
Day 1999 1999 July 1999 1998
Bellevue 1.456 1.450 1.364 1.13
Bellingham 1.463 1.436 1.385 1.10
Bremerton 1.409 1.393 1.361 N/A
Everett 1.461 1.437 1.388 1.14
Lynnwood 1.455 1.405 1.369 1.12
Olympia 1.433 1.416 1.358 1.13
Renton 1.414 1.403 1.374 N/A
Seattle 1.466 1.442 1.410 1.16
Tacoma 1.410 1.452 1.349 1.11
Tri-Cities 1.381 1.356 1.356 1.08
Vancouver 1.479 1.450 1.386 1.08
Wenatchee 1.467 N/A 1.348 1.15
Yakima 1.457 1.425 1.316 1.12
Averages 1.442 1.422 1.366 1.12
AAA Washington provides more than 616,500 members in western and central
Washington a full range of products and benefits, including full-service
travel agencies and personal lines insurance agencies in each of its
13 service centers; a range of auto-related services; a variety of financial
products; and member discounts on many consumer products and services.
Although its travel and insurance agencies are available to the general
public, AAA members benefit additionally from many special discounts and
exclusive programs. A not-for-profit organization, AAA Washington also
assists travelers through its highway and transportation safety and
legislative advocacy programs. More information about AAA Washington is
available on the company's web site at http://www.aaawa.com.
CONTACT: Janet Ray, 425-646-2058, or Jennifer Harbison, 425-646-2055,
both of AAA Washington.
