Metro Detroit commuters are feeling the pinch at the pump as gasoline prices climb to historic highs. A Mobil station at Woodward and 13 Mile is offering cash‑only regular gasoline for $4.89 a gallon, while several other locations are charging well above $5.
Stations hitting $6 per gallon
Near Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a BP station is posting prices around $6 a gallon. This site has previously been the focus of state investigations for alleged price inflation, and the current figures suggest the problem may be spreading. A nearby station in Eastern Market also lists regular gasoline at $6 a gallon, making it one of the first locations in recent days to reach that level.
Drivers passing these stations report frustration, noting that the higher price points are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend across the region.
Lower‑priced alternatives
For motorists seeking relief, a station at Lahser and 10 Mile is advertising regular gasoline at $4.69 when paid with cash. Prices rise slightly for credit‑card transactions, but the location remains one of the more affordable options in the area.
How to report suspected price gouging
Attorney Jonathan Marko advises consumers to act quickly if they suspect illegal pricing. “One of the provisions of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act specifically says it is illegal for a merchant to charge a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which a similar product is sold,” Marko told FOX 2. “If a gas station were to inflate prices to ten dollars a gallon or seven dollars a gallon, that would constitute a claim under the Act.”
Marko recommends documenting the price, noting the station’s name and location, and filing a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. The state agency can investigate and, if warranted, pursue enforcement actions against stations that violate the law.
What’s driving the surge?
While the article does not provide a detailed analysis of the underlying causes, industry observers point to a combination of higher crude‑oil costs, supply chain constraints, and seasonal demand spikes as contributors to the rising pump prices. Local drivers are urged to shop around, compare cash versus credit prices, and stay informed about any updates from consumer‑protection officials.
As the market continues to fluctuate, keeping an eye on price trends and reporting any suspicious activity can help protect Michigan motorists from unfair pricing practices.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
