AAA Web Site Helps Motorists Find Stations With Cheapest Gas

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 8 -- AAA Minnesota/Iowa announces the launch of a new Web site -- AAA Fuel Price Finder -- to help consumers locate the least expensive fuel across the country. Both gas station location and fuel prices are located at http://www.autoclubgroup.com/mnia/autos/index.asp , scrolling down to "Automotive News & Info" on the left-hand side and clicking on "Fuel Price Finder." The data is derived from more than 85,000 individual stations throughout the United States, based on recent credit card transactions, and is the same information AAA uses to track national, state and local gasoline price trends.

"The availability of specific pump price and station location information is a breakthrough for consumers," said Phil Wedgewood, AAA Minnesota/Iowa spokesperson. "Being able to regularly locate retail outlets with the lowest gasoline prices, without having to drive all over town, will be a helpful, cost-savings measure for motorists."

Once on the site, users enter a zip code, or a city and state, then select a three-, five- or 10-mile radius to search. The results provide a map of the area, with stations indicated by fuel pumps, as well as a list of the stations with their fuel prices, street address and availability of diesel fuel. By clicking on one of the listed gas stations, users can see the station plotted on a zoomed-in version of the map. Different tools allow users to zoom in or out on the map to include more stations or isolate a single station.

Unlike fuel price Web sites that rely on motorists randomly entering prices they may have seen or paid at various locations, the AAA Fuel Price Finder site uses a steady stream of reliable financial data.

In addition to finding the least expensive fuel, the site also provides a link to the AAA Fuel Cost Calculator ( http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/ ), which allows users to plan ahead for fuel costs on vacation. After entering an origin and destination, as well as the type of vehicle driven, the AAA Fuel Cost Calculator calculates the total fuel expenses for that specific trip.

AAA has been tracking fuel availability or prices for motorists and the media since the mid-1970s. AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report ( http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/ ) provides national, state and metro average price of regular, mid-grade, premium and diesel fuel. It is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, updated with prices at more than 85,000 stations nationwide each business day.

Information for all of AAA's fuel-related Web sites is provided by Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), the nation's most comprehensive source for petroleum pricing information. AAA and OPIS have worked closely for more than a decade to provide the most reliable fuel price data possible to consumers, the media and policymakers.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states.