AAA's Monthly Report Shows Record-Setting Rise in Fuel Prices

AURORA, Ill., Aug. 17, 2005 -- Both statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and Northern Indiana have risen sharply since mid-July. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has risen 27 cents over the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.63 per gallon for the month of August.

"This situation is financially trying for motorists in Illinois and across the nation," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago's director of public affairs. "Since August 8, gas prices have set new record highs everyday. This puts tremendous pressure on our pocketbooks, but the fact remains that gas prices are still averaging 50 cents less than the record prices set in the early 1980's. Curtailing usage is a motorist's best defense."

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.54, which is up 28 cents from July and up 67 cents from August 2004.

  -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.75, which is up 27 cents compared to last month and 73 cents higher
     than last year's price-per-gallon.

  -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.67 per gallon, which is a 28-cent increase from July and 74 cents
     higher than last year.

  -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.64 per gallon, which is up 27 cents compared to last month and 71
     cents higher than August 2004's price.

  -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.67 per gallon, which is up 29 cents in the last month and up by 75
     cents compared to this time last year.

  -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.64 per gallon, which is up 25 cents from July's average and 73 cents
     higher than August 2004's price.

  -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.67 per gallon, which is 33 cents higher compared to last month and
     74 cents higher compared to last year.

  -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.44 per gallon, which is an increase of 14 cents from last month and
     59 cents higher than August 2004's price.

  -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.46 per gallon, a 16-cent increase from July's average and a 40-cent
     increase from a year ago.

  -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $2.41 per gallon, which is up 14 cents compared to last month
     and an increase of 55 cents from August 2004.

With fuel prices setting new record highs, AAA reminds motorists to take matters into their own hands by employing practical fuel-conservation measures. Public transportation, car pooling, routine vehicle maintenance, accelerating at steady moderate speeds, combining trips and errands and minimizing use of air conditioning can all conserve gasoline. In addition, consumers should consider switching to more fuel-efficient cars and trucks when purchasing new vehicles.

AAA Chicago will celebrate 100 years of service in 2006. Formed in 1906, AAA Chicago represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves their leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues. For more information on high gas prices and money-saving tips, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada.