AAA Chicago: May Monthly Fuel Prices Jump.

AURORA, Ill. -- Fuel prices have increased again during the last month in Illinois and northern Indiana, but prices remain more than a dollar lower than May 2008. AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report estimates that in Illinois, regular unleaded gasoline has increased 29 cents during the past month, forecasting an average cost of $2.40 per gallon for the month of May, which is $1.49 lower per gallon than last year.

"Crude oil prices, higher demand for fuel and the more expensive summer blend of fuel are all causing the increase motorists see at the pump," says Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago's spokesperson.

In northern Indiana, gas prices average $2.47, which is up 40 cents from April and down $1.41 from May 2008.

* In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.60, which is up 39 cents from last month and $1.40 lower than last year's price-per-gallon.

* In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.48 per gallon, which is a 36-cent increase from April and $1.43 lower than last year.

* In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.49 per gallon, which is 37 cents higher compared to last month and $1.42 lower than May 2008's price.

* In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.47 per gallon, which is 38 cents higher than last month and down by $1.41 compared to this time last year.

* In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.47 per gallon, which is 36 cents higher than April's average and $1.45 lower than May 2008's price.

* In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.51 per gallon, which is 39 cents higher compared to last month and $1.42 lower compared to last year.

* In Champaign County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.29 per gallon, an increase of 27 cents from April and a decrease of $1.48 from last year.

* In McLean County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.32 per gallon, which is 32 cents higher than last month and $1.51 lower than last year.

* In Peoria County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.21 per gallon, which is an 18-cent increase compared to last month and a $1.62 decrease from May 2008.

* In Sangamon County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.29 per gallon, which is 29 cents higher than last month and $1.57 lower than last year.

* In Winnebago County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.31 per gallon, an increase of 26 cents from April and a decrease of $1.51 from May 2008.

* In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.29 per gallon, which is an increase of 28 cents from last month and $1.50 lower than May 2008's price.

* In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.47 per gallon, a 40-cent increase from April's average and a $1.42 decrease from a year ago.

* In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.47 per gallon, which is 40 cents higher than last month and $1.41 lower than last year.

* In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.28 per gallon, which is 28 cents higher compared to last month and $1.52 lower compared to last year.

Fuel prices are posted on-line at 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 www.AAA.com or call us toll-free at 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).