AAA Chicago: November Fuel Prices Rise Sharply

Americans spending more of paycheck on fuel than ever before

AURORA, Ill., Nov. 14 -- Fuel prices have jumped back above the $3 mark since mid-October in Illinois and northern Indiana. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois, regular unleaded gasoline has increased 36 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $3.17 per gallon for the month of November, which is 88 cents higher per gallon than last year.

"Crude oil prices have continued to climb, nearly reaching $100 per barrel in November," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson. "This is a major factor in the increased price of fuel."

According to the Oil Price Information Service, which tracks fuel prices for AAA, Americans now spend almost 4 percent of their paycheck on gasoline. That's double the percentage of income set aside for fuel just five years ago.

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $3.12, which is up 43 cents from October and up 91 cents from November 2006.

  -- In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.24, which is up 29 cents compared to last month and 85 cents higher
     than last year's price-per-gallon.
  -- In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.15 per gallon, which is a 32-cent increase from October and 87 cents
     higher than last year.
  -- In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.14 per gallon, which is 34 cents higher compared to last month and
     88 cents higher than November 2006's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.14 per gallon, which is 41 cents higher than last month and up by 89
     cents compared to this time last year.
  -- In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.16 per gallon, which is 32 cents higher than October's average and
     91 cents higher than November 2006's price.
  -- In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.17 per gallon, which is 32 cents higher compared to last month and
     89 cents higher compared to last year.
  -- In Champaign County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $3.18 per gallon, an increase of 52 cents from October and an
     increase of 98 cents from last year.
  -- In McLean County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.16 per gallon, which is 39 cents higher than last month and 92 cents
     higher than last year.
  -- In Peoria County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.19 per gallon, which is a 44-cent increase compared to last month
     and a 88-cent increase from November 2006.
  -- In Sangamon County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.13 per gallon, which is 49 cents higher than last month and 89 cents
     higher than last year.
  -- In Winnebago County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $3.24 per gallon, an increase of 49 cents from October and an
     increase of 99 cents from November 2006.
  -- In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.15 per gallon, which is an increase of 41 cents from last month and
     89 cents higher than November 2006's price.
  -- In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.14 per gallon, a 45-cent increase from October's average and a 93-
     cent increase from a year ago.
  -- In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
     $3.10 per gallon, which is 38 cents higher than last month and 87 cents
     higher than last year.
  -- In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
     averages $3.17 per gallon, which is 47 cents higher compared to last
     month and 96 cents higher compared to last year.

Fuel prices are posted on-line at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/, which updates prices daily for unleaded, diesel and E85 blends of fuel.

AAA Chicago has represented roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues for more than a century.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).