AAA Reports, Gas Prices Steady, Modest Decrease In Labor Day Travel

BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 26 -- The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Washington is $1.476 per gallon, the same as one month ago, and 2.4 cents lower than one year ago. Gas prices are holding steady across the nation at $1.405 per gallon.

Labor Day holiday travel is expected to show a modest decrease. AAA estimates that 32.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, down slightly from the 33 million estimated to have traveled last year. Approximately 27.5 million travelers are expected to go by motor vehicle, 3.8 million by air, and 1.4 million by bus or train.

               Sample Self-serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices*

    City                            Labor Day    Memorial Day     Labor Day
                                       2002            2002          2001

    Bellingham                        1.444           1.382         1.392
    Bremerton                         1.422           1.365         1.417
    Olympia                           1.398           1.375         1.422
    Seattle-Bellevue-Everett          1.492           1.475         1.535
    Spokane                           1.426           1.335         1.461
    Tacoma                            1.423           1.394         1.453
    Tri-Cities                        1.474           1.404         1.525
    Vancouver                         1.396           1.350         1.444
    Wenatchee                         1.478           1.328         1.451
    Yakima                            1.441           1.396         1.452

AAA Washington provides more than 688,000 members in western and central Washington a full range of products and benefits, including travel agencies, personal lines insurance agencies, a range of auto-related services, and member discounts. 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 at www.aaa.com.

NOTE: AAA Washington's Fuel Gauge Report now includes the entire state of Washington. The sum of the sample prices may not match the state total because prices are collected in more areas than are listed.

NOTE: AAA will release a September 11 travel update on September 3.

    Contact:  AAA Washington