Gas Prices Drop an Average of 16 Cents a Gallon

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 12, 2002; According to AAA Chicago's most recent fuel gauge report, gas prices throughout Illinois and northern Indiana have plummeted 16 cents a gallon in the last month. The average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois averages $1.38 per gallon, which is 17 cents below gas prices this time last month. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.26, which is a decline of 15 cents.

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.465 per gallon, which is down 17 cents from last month.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.375 per gallon, 20 cents lower than November prices.

In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.358 per gallon, 19 cents lower than November prices.

In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.351 per gallon, 19 cents lower than November prices.

In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.392 per gallon, 18 cents lower than November prices.

In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.290 per gallon, 25 cents lower than November prices.

In northern Indiana, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.264 per gallon, 15 cents lower than last month.

"Gas prices were kept at unseasonably high levels in October and November due to higher crude oil prices, which was caused by the uncertainty of war with Iraq," said AAA Chicago spokesman Steve Nolan. "The return of weapons inspectors to Iraq has eased the pressure on crude oil prices allowing gas prices to drop significantly."

AAA Chicago is a membership organization serving more than 790,000 members and the general public in Illinois and northern Indiana. AAA Chicago provides automotive, insurance, travel and financial services, and is a member of The Auto Club Group.