Michigan drivers are facing a surge in gas prices this month, with a 17-cent increase reported over the last week. According to CBS News Detroit, the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in the state has climbed to $3.21. While this marks an uptick since last week, it remains 5 cents lower than the previous month and 40 cents below the prices from the same period a year ago.
The uptrend comes as motorists ramp up their travel during the warmer months. "Drivers across Michigan are seeing higher prices at the pump as we enter the month of May," Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA, stated, as per WZZM 13. The current average costs about $48 to fill a 15-gallon tank, a notable decrease from the peak prices in July last year. This currently offers drivers around $9 in savings.
Geographical price disparities within Michigan suggest gas price fluctuations are harder hit in some areas. Lansing experiences the highest gas prices, at $3.27 per gallon, while Traverse City enjoys the lowest, at $3.02, as reported by WKZO. Other counties show varying averages, with Cass County at $3.15 and Kalamazoo County at $3.28, pointing towards a landscape where distance and location directly implicate the out-of-pocket cost for motorists.
Tips include combining errands to reduce driving time, shopping around for competitive gas prices, and paying cash where credit card fees might apply. Additionally, by driving conservatively, motorists can increase fuel economy and potentially offset some of the financial burden of higher gas prices. AAA also suggests that members can save 5 cents per gallon by enrolling in Shell's Fuel Rewards program, as mentioned by CBS News Detroit.
