AAA's Monthly Fuel Report Shows Minor Gas Price Decline in Illinois; Prices Up Slightly in Northwest Indiana

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 22, 2005 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois have decreased a modest amount since last month, but Northern Indiana residents have seen a minimal increase since November. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has decreased 9 cents over the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.21 per gallon for the month of December and up 28 cents per gallon from last year.

"Just in time for the Christmas, Hanukah and New Year road trips, the price of crude oil has dropped in the last month meaning motorists are feeling some relief at the pump," says Kris Lathan, AAA Chicago's director of public affairs.

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.19, which is up 1 cent from November and up 48 cents from December 2004.

  -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.32, which is down 14 cents compared to last month and 53 cents
     higher than last year's price-per-gallon.
  -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.22 per gallon, which is a 15-cent decrease from November and 25
     cents higher than last year.
  -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.22 per gallon, which is down 11 cents compared to last month and 37
     cents higher than December 2004's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.22 per gallon, which is down 8 cents in the last month and up by 39
     cents compared to this time last year.
  -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.23 per gallon, which down 9 cents from November's average and 39
     cents higher than December 2004's price.
  -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.22 per gallon, which is 10 cents lower compared to last month and 42
     cents higher compared to last year.
  -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.23 per gallon, which is an increase of 2 cents from last month and
     54 cents higher than December 2004's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $2.24 per gallon, a 4-cent increase from November's average and a
     52-cent increase from a year ago.
  -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $2.19 per gallon, which is up 1 cent compared to last month
     and an increase of 42 cents from December 2004.

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.