Michigan Gas Prices on the Rise

Photo byErik McleanonUnsplash

If there is one thing that preoccupies the minds of Michigan drivers it is gas prices.

For the last few weeks the Mitten State has seen prices dropping but things are starting to change.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the average across the state jumped nine cents to $3.72 a gallon with the Metro Detroit prices six cents higher.

Gas prices around the country have been higher, approximately $3.88 a gallon. Reports indicate that it could be the reason inflation rose last month after declining over the summer.

"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."

Prices around the country do not bode well for Michigan. Southern California showed the fastest spike of the year over the weekend.

The main cause of the rising prices comes from countries like Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cutting production.

The reduction in supply means that demand shoots up. This is shown by West Texas Intermediate, one of the world benchmarks for prices, jumping to over $90 a barrel.

According to the Free Press, the three highest prices can be found in Metro Detroit ($3.78), Ann Arbor ($3.78), and Marquette ($3.71).

The three lowest prices can be found in Benton Harbor ($3.61), Grand Rapids ($3.66), Saginaw ($3.66).