Gas Prices on the Decline, AAA Reports

BELLEVUE, Wash., April 10 -- AAA reports the average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Washington has decreased more than five cents in the past month to $1.798 per gallon. In Idaho prices have decreased three cents in the past month to $1.704 per gallon. The national average for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline is $1.612 per gallon, nine cents less than one month ago.

Among the factors contributing to this decline in fuel prices is the success of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a drop in crude oil prices to below $30 per barrel. AAA continues to urge consumers 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

  City                              Easter      Presidents' Day   April
                                     2003            2003          2002
  Washington

    Bellingham                      1.786           1.525         1.382
    Bremerton                       1.769           1.514         1.319
    Olympia                         1.783           1.463         1.401
    Seattle-Bellevue-Everett        1.851           1.593         1.482
    Spokane                         1.723           1.543         1.298
    Tacoma                          1.788           1.487         1.384
    Tri-Cities                      1.741           1.583         1.401
    Vancouver                       1.756           1.500         1.350
    Walla Walla                     1.750             N/A           N/A
    Wenatchee                       1.703           1.552           N/A
    Yakima                          1.756           1.503         1.358

  Idaho
    Coeur d'Alene                   1.746           1.597         1.347
    Lewiston                        1.675             N/A           N/A

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 www.aaa.com.