Michigan residents facing an increase in gas prices may find their travel plans costlier this Independence Day week. According to The Detroit News, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the state has climbed 16 cents compared to last week, with the average price now standing at $3.67. This surge means Michigan drivers will shell out an average of $55 to fill a standard 15-gallon tank.
Amid these price hikes, the AAA-The Auto Club Group has activated its “Tow to Go” program to ensure drivers' safety during the holiday period. This initiative, details of which were released in a statement obtained by The Detroit News, offers a free towing service to individuals within a 10-mile radius, aiming to prevent impaired driving. Alongside this assistance, Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group, advised motorists to "plan ahead by asking a friend to be your designated driver or use a ride sharing service," emphasizing the availability of Tow to Go as a backup safety plan.
While drivers across the state brace for higher fuel costs than what they encountered last year on the 4th of July, when the state average was $3.52, analysts have been tracking changing trends underlying these price shifts. FOX 2 Detroit reported that crude oil prices have seen a notable increase, which has contributed to the increased gas prices seen throughout Michigan. Woodland added that "pump prices will likely continue to rise this week as a record number of motorists fill up for their holiday road trips."
In specific parts of Michigan, the disparity in pump prices is evident. Cities like Jackson, Grand Rapids, and Lansing are experiencing some of the highest averages, ranging from $3.74 to $3.75, as per information from FOX 2 Detroit. Whereas areas such as Marquette, Metro Detroit, and Benton Harbor are feeling slightly less of a pinch at the pump, with prices hovering around $3.53 to $3.69. The fluctuations in the market come in the wake of reports by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicating that while gas demand has crept higher, the total domestic gasoline stocks have also increased from 231.2 million to 233.9 million barrels, as shared by WLUC.
