Gas Prices Show Signs of Stabilization in March, According to AAA Chicago

AURORA, Ill., March 19 -- According to AAA Chicago's most recent fuel gauge report, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois now averages $1.62 per gallon, which is up 4 cents from this time last month and down 3 cents from last year's prices. In northern Indiana, gas prices now average $1.64, which is down 2 cents from last month and down 10 cents from last year's prices.

In Cook County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.81 per gallon, which is even with last month's prices and down 3 cents from last year.

In DuPage County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline now averages $1.73 per gallon, 1 cent lower than February prices and 5 cents lower than last year.

In Kane County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.70 per gallon, 2 cents lower than February prices and 6 cents lower than last year's prices.

In Lake County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.70 per gallon, 2 cents lower than February prices and 5 cents lower than last year.

In McHenry County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.74 per gallon, even with February prices and 2 cents lower than last year.

In Will County, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $1.68 per gallon, 1 cent lower than February prices and 9 cents lower than last year.

"Gas prices remain relatively high as a result of the continued high cost of crude oil, which remains above $35 a barrel," said AAA Chicago spokesman Steve Nolan. "Unfortunately, refineries make their switch over to the production of reformulated gasoline during the next couple of months, which could provide some upward pressure on gasoline prices heading into the summer travel season."

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 45 million members in the United States and Canada.