Michigan gas prices on rise with highest averages in metro Detroit - Detroit Free Press

Michigan gas prices on rise with highest averages in metro Detroit

Michigan gas prices surge across state as OPEC cuts oil production
Frank Witsil

Gas prices in Michigan surged, up 9 cents Monday from a week ago to an average of $3.72 a gallon for regular unleaded, according to AAA. The average price throughout metro Detroit was even higher, at 3.78 a gallon.

"After weeks of steady decline, Michigan motorists are now seeing higher gas prices across the state," Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for the auto club, said. "Although gas demand has dropped amid increasing stocks, elevated oil prices have pushed pump prices higher."

It is unclear whether gas prices have peaked — or will continue to go up.

Elsewhere in the nation, like California, the prices were even higher. In Southern California, for instance, gas prices reportedly shot up Saturday at their fastest rate of the year, edging toward $6 a gallon, landing at $5.62, up 18 cents from last week, according to AAA.

Nationally, gas prices averaged $3.88 a gallon. They have been so high, the Associated Press reported last week, that they have been largely responsible for last month’s inflation jump, accounting for more than half of the monthly inflation increase.

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Gas demand decreased significantly from 9.32 million to 8.31 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks jumped from 214.7 million barrels to 220.3 million barrels.

West Texas Intermediate, a global oil benchmark, went up to more than $90 a barrel. Production cuts by Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries are expected to lead to an oil supply shortfall this fall and winter.

Michigan’s motorists are paying an average of $55 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline.

Most expensive gas price averages in Michigan

- Metro Detroit: $3.78
- Ann Arbor: $3.78
- Marquette: $3.71

Least expensive gas price averages in Michigan

- Benton Harbor: $3.61
- Grand Rapids: $3.66
- Saginaw: $3.66

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.