Michigan drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump. On Sept. 16 the average price for regular gasoline rose to $4.54 per gallon, up more than 10 cents from the day before and 30 cents higher than a week ago. Compared with the same time last year, when the average was $3.12, the increase is stark.
Diesel sets a new high
Diesel prices are even more alarming. A record $6.34 per gallon was recorded on Wednesday, marking the highest level ever seen in the state. The surge follows a pattern of rising fuel costs across the United States.
Where are the cheapest pumps?
AAA’s latest county‑by‑county map shows the lowest prices in Wayne, Macomb and St. Clair counties, giving Metro Detroit drivers a modest reprieve. Prices are higher than the state average in Oakland, Washtenaw and Livingston counties. The most expensive gasoline can be found in Marquette County at $4.62 per gallon.
Analyst warns of continued volatility
Patrick De Haan, a gas‑price analyst for GasBuddy, cautioned that the spike is not over. In a social‑media post he noted that diesel has shown “no signs of slowing” after the record run and that a 48‑hour surge is expected in the interior states. De Haan, who tracks fuel prices for a living, promised real‑time updates as the market evolves.
Global events fueling the surge
Geopolitical tensions are a major factor. Ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, hostilities in the Red Sea, and a recent pipeline shutdown in Saudi Arabia have all constrained supply. Additionally, new attacks on Russian refineries knocked two more facilities offline, further tightening global refined‑product inventories. De Haan explained that while much of the country is shifting to a cheaper winter‑blend gasoline this week, the scale of these escalations makes meaningful price relief unlikely in the near term.
What drivers can do
Motorists looking to stretch their dollars should consider vehicles with better fuel economy and keep an eye on local price‑comparison tools. AAA and GasBuddy both provide online maps that list the cheapest stations by county. For example, on Wednesday afternoon Detroit, Southgate and Morenci posted some of the lowest prices in the region.
Looking ahead
Analysts expect fuel costs to remain volatile for the next several days, especially in the nation’s interior where supply constraints are most acute. Drivers are urged to monitor price‑tracking apps and plan trips accordingly to avoid the steepest spikes.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
