Gas Prices Rising Dramatically, AAA Reports

    BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 11 -- AAA reports, the average price of
self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Washington has increased 18 cents in
the past month to $1.559 per gallon. In Idaho prices have increased nearly 15
cents in the past month to $1.597 per gallon. The national average for self-
serve regular unleaded gasoline is $1.605 per gallon, 13 cents higher than one
month ago.
    It appears that this sharp increase is due mostly to industry fear and
speculation concerning war with Iraq and the possibility of another terrorist
strike on the United States.  Consumers are urged to shop aggressively for the
best price on gasoline, look for ways to limit their gas consumption and keep
their vehicles properly maintained to increase fuel economy.

               Sample Self-Serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices*

                              Presidents'      Holidays      Presidents'
      City                      Day 2003         2002         Day 2002
    Washington
     Bellingham                  1.525           1.362          1.083
     Bremerton                   1.514           1.309          1.123
     Olympia                     1.463           1.229          1.158
     Seattle-Bellevue-Everett    1.593           1.392          1.234
     Spokane                     1.543           1.367          1.059
     Tacoma                      1.487           1.296          1.143
     Tri-Cities                  1.583           1.449          1.143
     Vancouver                   1.500           1.306          1.197
     Wenatchee                   1.552           1.404          1.167
     Yakima                      1.503           1.364          1.251
    Idaho
     Coeur d'Alene               1.597              NA          1.002

    AAA Washington/Inland provides over 820,000 members in Washington and
northern Idaho a full range of products and benefits, including travel
agencies, personal lines insurance agencies, a range of auto-related services,
and member discounts on many consumer products and services. A not-for-profit
organization, AAA also assists travelers through its highway and
transportation safety and legislative advocacy programs.  More information
about AAA is available on the company's website at http://www.aaa.com.

     Contact:  AAA Washington/Inland
               Janet Ray - 425-646-2058
                         - 509-358-6920