Michigan Gas Hits $4.92 Average as Drivers Cross City Lines to Save
Michigan drivers face a $4.92 average gas price, with some traveling across city lines to find cheaper options.
Key points
- Michigan's average gas price rose to $4.92 per gallon, exceeding the national average of $4.47.
- Drivers cross city lines to access stations like Freedom Fuel, which charges $4.47 per gallon.
- Brent crude oil trades near $103 per barrel, driving up prices across the Midwest region.
Michigan’s average gasoline price reached $4.92 per gallon, marking a 61-cent weekly increase. This figure exceeds the national average of $4.47 and approaches the state’s record high.
Drivers are crossing municipal boundaries to access lower prices in Metro Detroit. A station on Harper Avenue sells fuel for $4.47, while a nearby Shell charges $4.99.
Local price gaps drive cross-city trips
Four stations compete at the Harper and Cadieux Road intersection. The Freedom Fuel Network offers the lowest price at $4.47 per gallon. Amoco and BP stations across the street charge $4.69, a 22-cent premium.
Kenja Greene travels from Clinton Township to fill up at this cheaper location. She prioritizes fuel costs over other household expenses due to the price difference.
John Walker spends approximately $100 weekly on gas for his two work vehicles. He reports that this amount reaches $400 per month, forcing him to seek the lowest available price.
Global supply issues raise regional costs
Brent crude oil trades near $103 per barrel due to geopolitical conflicts. These tensions have reduced global refining capacity, directly impacting domestic fuel prices.
A power outage halted production at an ExxonMobil refinery near Chicago. This event severely restricted Midwest supply, contributing to the regional price spike.
Business disputes accompany rising fuel costs
KRSM, the parent company of Freedom Fuel stations, faces a federal lawsuit. The company is accused of failing to pay for approximately $4 million in fuel.
KRSM denies the allegation, which was reported by CBS News. The lawsuit adds financial uncertainty to a market already experiencing significant price volatility.
