Fla. AAA Reports Gas Prices Increasing, But Less Than One Year Ago

    ORLANDO, Fla.--April 16, 2002--Gasoline prices have increased 14.5 cents per gallon nationwide in the last month from an average $1.266 per gallon to $1.411 for self-serve regular, AAA's Fuel Gauge Report shows (http://www.fuelgaugereport.com).
    While the mid-March to mid-April increase is substantial, the national average gasoline price remains 16.8 cents below the average price of one-year ago; $1.579 per gallon.
    Gasoline prices during the first two months of this year averaging between $1.10 and $1.15 per gallon were artificially low due to the economic slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2001, AAA said. An increase in gasoline prices was inevitable once the nation's economy began recovering and demand for gasoline increased.
    Gas prices in the Mid-Atlantic region and Southeast have increased the most, up 23.9 cents per gallon and 21 cents per gallon, respectively to $1.408 per gallon and $1.36 per gallon. The average gasoline price is up 20.9 cents in New England to $1.416.
    Prices in the West are up an average 18.8 cents to $1.487 per gallon and prices are 18.2 cents higher in the Southwest to $1.36 per gallon.
    Prices are up an average 17.5 cents in the Midwest to $1.407. In the Great Lakes region prices have increased an average 15.3 cents per gallon to $1.414.
    Nationwide, the price of self-serve, mid-grade averages $1.498, an increase of 15.4 cents per gallon, but 17.9 cents less expensive than last year.
    Self-serve premium averages $1.552 per gallon, up 15.9 cents since mid-March, and 18.5 cents lower than one year ago.
    Average regional gasoline prices in April of last year were: West, $1.64; New England, $1.52; Mid-Atlantic, $1.52; Great Lakes, $1.62; Southwest, $1.51; Midwest, $1.56; and Southeast, $1.50.
    The national average prices for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline for AAA's April survey for the last five years are: 2001, $1.579; 2000, $1.489; 1999, $1.15; 1998, $1.079; and 1997, $1.253.
    AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is based on data from Oil Price Information Service -- the nation's most comprehensive source of petroleum pricing information.
    As the nation's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its nearly 45 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at: http://www.aaa.com.