MICHIGAN — Gas prices in Michigan have risen by 3 cents from last week, with drivers now paying an average of $2.85 per gallon for regular unleaded.
Despite the recent increase, this price is still 19 cents less than last month and 20 cents less than last year. Motorists are currently paying an average of $42 for a full 15-gallon tank, which is about $15 cheaper than the highest prices seen in July 2024.
“Michigan drivers are seeing a small rise in average gas prices, with some cities paying more and others paying less,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand has increased from 8.32 million barrels per day to 8.45 million barrels per day. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply has risen from 214.4 million barrels to 220.8 million barrels, although gasoline production has decreased, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil rose by 21 cents to settle at $58.46 a barrel. The EIA also reported that U.S. crude oil inventories decreased by 1.8 million barrels from the previous week, with current inventories at 425.7 million barrels, about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.
AAA forecasts that nearly 4 million Michiganders will travel over the 13-day year-end holiday period from December 20 to January 1. With 3.5 million Michigan travelers expected to hit the roads, drivers can anticipate lower gas prices compared to last Christmas, when the state average was $3.06.
Metro Detroit’s average daily gas price has decreased slightly compared to last week, currently standing at $2.86 per gallon, which is about 3 cents less than last week’s average and 16 cents less than the same time last year.
The most expensive gas price averages in Michigan are found in Ann Arbor at $2.94, Lansing at $2.87, and Jackson at $2.87. In contrast, the least expensive averages are in Marquette at $2.66, Traverse City at $2.68, and Flint at $2.77.
With fluctuating gas prices and increased travel expected during the holiday season, Michigan drivers may find some relief at the pump compared to previous years. The combination of increased gasoline demand and supply, along with changes in crude oil prices, will continue to influence the state’s fuel costs.