AAA Chicago's June Fuel Report Shows Prices Remain High

AURORA, Ill., June 15 -- Statewide averages for the price of gasoline in Illinois and northern Indiana have decreased slightly since last month, but Chicagoland has seen a small price increase. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois regular unleaded gasoline has decreased 1 cent during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.94 per gallon for the month of June, which is up 80 cents per gallon from last year.

"Motorists are still grappling with high fuel prices, despite a modest decrease in Illinois and northern Indiana's averages," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson. "Summer driving season is in full swing, and AAA urges motorists to conserve fuel by driving the speed limit and ensuring vehicles are properly maintained."

  --  In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.83, which is down 8 cents
      from May and up 75 cents from June 2005.
  --  In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $3.08, which is up 4 cents compared to last month and 84 cents higher
      than last year's price-per-gallon.
  --  In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.94 per gallon, which is a 1-cent increase from May and 81 cents
      higher than last year.
  --  In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.96 per gallon, which is up 3 cents compared to last month and 82
      cents higher than June 2005's price.
  --  In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.95 per gallon, which is up 3 cents in the last month and up by 82
      cents compared to this time last year.
  --  In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.97 per gallon, which is up 3 cents from May's average and 81 cents
      higher than June 2005's price.
  --  In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.93 per gallon, which is 1 cent lower compared to last month and 81
      cents higher compared to last year.
  --  In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.85 per gallon, which is a decrease of 5 cents from last month and
      81 cents higher than June 2005's price.
  --  In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
      $2.94 per gallon, a 1-cent increase from May's average and an 84-cent
      increase from a year ago.
  --  In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline
      averages $2.88 per gallon, which is down 4 cents compared to last
      month and an increase of 79 cents from June 2005.

This year AAA Chicago celebrates 100 years of service, as 2006 marks the membership organization's centennial celebration. Formed in Chicago in 1906, the company represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues.

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 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).