Gas prices reach yearly high in Michigan, for the third week in a row
- Michigan gas prices have increased by 12 cents a gallon in the last week and 44 cents in the last month
- The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Michigan is $3.63, compared to the national average of $3.52
- Prices tend to increase ahead of the switch from winter-grade to summer-grade gasoline
Michigan gas prices have been steadily increasing over the last few weeks — just as families prepare to hit the road for spring break. Prices have reached yearly highs for the third consecutive week, according to AAA.
The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.63, which is 11 cents more than it was last week when the average was $3.52. Gas prices have shot up 44 cents over the last month. Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.52.
"Michigan motorists continue to see higher prices at the pump, with the state average reaching a new 2024-high," said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA. "If demand continues to increase, alongside tight supply, gas prices will likely follow suit."
According to AAA, here are the average prices people are paying in select Michigan cities.
- Jackson: $3.70
- Ann Arbor: $3.66
- Grand Rapids/Muskegon/Holland: $3.66
- Saginaw/Bay City/Midland: $3.66
- Benton Harbor: $3.66
- Lansing/East Lansing: $3.65
- Traverse City: $3.60
- Metro Detroit: $3.58
- Flint: $3.57
- Marquette $3.49
The price of gasoline has increased as demand slightly rose from 9.01 to 9.04 million barrels per day, according to recent data from the Energy Information Administration. However, domestic gasoline supply declined from 239.7 million barrels to 234.1 million barrels.
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Gas prices also tend to increase as the deadline for states to switch over to summer-grade gas approaches.
Fuel terminals are required to transition to summer fuel by May 1, according to the Energy Information Administration. Gas stations across the country aren’t required to make the switch until June 1.
Summer-grade fuel is more expensive to produce and people usually drive more as the weather warms, increasing demand.
Summer-grade gasoline typically contains 2 percent of butane, a colorless, odorless gas that is used in lighter fluid for example. In the winter, gas contains more butane, to help vehicles start up in colder weather.
Bargain hunters’ dilemma
With Michigan drivers now paying an average of $54 to fill a 15-gallon tank, there’s always the temptation to bypass the closest gas station in search of a better deal. As Bridge has reported, however, some drivers might end up inadvertently paying more.
Check out this handy tool to see if a road trip to find cheaper gas makes sense for you:
Should you drive across town for 'cheap' gas?
With rising gas prices, you may be tempted by lower prices. Use this calculator to determine whether you'll save anything: Remember, it costs money to drive farther. How much is your time worth? Decisions, decisions.
Station No. 1 (cheaper station):
Station No. 2 (closer station):
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