AAA Reports National Average Gas Prices Continuing to Fall

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 15, 2005 -- The nationwide average price for self-serve regular gasoline has dropped approximately 48 cents per gallon since the middle of October, but still is about 32 cents higher than one year ago.

"Crude oil finally is trading below $60 per barrel, a price point that has been surpassed since last July," said Dawn Duffy, AAA spokesperson. "Even more encouraging is that some industry analysts think oil prices could continue to tumble as much as $10 lower before the end of the year, helping pump prices to drop lower as well."

The era of high gasoline prices is not over, however. AAA believes that consumers will continue to pay above $2 per gallon in 2006 and beyond as global energy demand continues to expand and our oil-producing infrastructure remains limited. For that reason, continued fuel conservation remains an important factor with motorists' purchases and activities.

Reports for November 15, 2005, reflect the following average prices per gallon for self-serve, regular unleaded gas:

                                 Current        Month Ago        Year Ago
   National                       $2.29           $2.77           $1.97
   Minnesota                      $2.16           $2.49           $1.89
   Duluth                         $2.18           $2.58           $1.97
   Minneapolis/St. Paul           $2.15           $2.48           $1.85
   Rochester                      $2.20           $2.53           $1.86
   St. Cloud                      $2.12           $2.50           $1.84

AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is based upon data from the Oil Price Information Service, the nation's most comprehensive source of petroleum pricing statistics, and can be found at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/ .

AAA ( http://www.aaa.com/ ) 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. AAA Minneapolis serves more than 175,000 members in Hennepin County.