Average Gas Price Up .8 Cent Since Mid-August, AAA Reports.

Business & News Editors/Automotive Writers

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2002

The nationwide average price of self-serve regular gasoline has increased .8 cent per gallon since mid-August, from $1.40 to $1.408 per gallon, AAA said today.

The modest increase in the nationwide average gasoline price continues a six-month trend of fuel price stability begun last April, when the nationwide average gasoline price stabilized near $1.40 per gallon.

On September 17 of 2001, the nationwide average price of self-serve regular gasoline was $1.552 per gallon, AAA said.

Since mid-August, prices are unchanged in the Mid-Atlantic States at $1.412 per gallon. Prices in New England are up .4 cent per gallon to $1.452. In the Southeast and Southwest gasoline prices have increased an average of .7 cent per gallon to $1.328, and $1.37; respectively. Gasoline prices moved 2.2 cents higher in the Great Lakes to $1.437 per gallon since Mid-August. In the Midwest, gasoline prices fell an average 1.4 cents per gallon to $1.40. Prices in the West are down an average .4 cent per gallon to $1.527.

Nationwide, the price of self-serve, mid-grade averages $1.495, an increase of .9 cent per gallon since last month, and 15.2 cents less expensive than last year. Self-serve premium averages $1.549 per gallon, also up .9 cent since mid-August, and 15.8 cents less expensive than one year ago.

Average regional prices for self-serve regular in September of last year were: West, $1.683; New England, $1.462; Great Lakes, $1.755; Midwest, $1.692; Mid-Atlantic, $1.468; Southwest, $1.518; and Southeast, $1.433.

The national average prices for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline for AAA's mid-September survey for the last five years are: 2001, $1.552; 2000, $1.58; 1999, $1.282; 1998, $1.057; and 1997, $1.288.

AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is based on data from Oil Price Information Service -- the nation's most comprehensive source of petroleum pricing information.

As the nation's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its more than 45 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at: www.aaa.com.

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