AAA Chicago Says Gas-Price Decline Continues Through December Holidays

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 17, 2004 -- Monthly gas prices have continued to decline since mid-November just in time for the holidays. Illinois motorists will feel some relief at the pump with a regular unleaded gasoline average of $1.82 per gallon, according to AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report. That's down 15 cents from a month ago, but it's 29 cents higher than gas prices for this time last year. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.71, which is down 16 cents from November but up 28 cents from December 2003.

"The decline in gas prices follows a dramatic $10 drop in the price of crude oil," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago spokeswoman. "The lower gasoline prices will certainly be good news to the many holiday travelers who plan to drive."

In Cook County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.93 per gallon, which is down by 17 cents compared to last month and 29 cents higher than last year's price-per-gallon.

In DuPage County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.97 per gallon, which is a 16-cent decline from November and 34 cents higher than last year.

In Kane County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.85 per gallon, which is down by 14 cents compared to last month and 35 cents higher than December 2003's price.

In Lake County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.83 per gallon, which is down by 16 cents in the last month and up by 29 cents compared to this time last year.

In McHenry County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.84 per gallon, which is 16 cents less than November and 27 cents higher than last year.

In Will County self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.80 per gallon, which is 13 cents lower compared to last month and 32 cents higher compared to last year.

For more than 100 years, AAA has represented the interests of the nation's motorists and served as an advocate for various traffic safety and travel related issues. AAA Chicago has served that role in Illinois since its founding in 1906.