Michigan drivers are taking notice of the latest gas price change, as AAA's weekly snapshot reveals a modest increase in the statewide average. The Michigan average now stands at $2.85 per gallon for regular unleaded, up three cents from last week.
The rise is not drastic enough to prompt panic buying or empty parking lots, but it does make people pause, especially during peak holiday travel months when budgets are already stretched thin. While some cities are paying more than others, metro Detroit's average price ticked down by three cents despite the statewide increase.
AAA attributes the small change to national indicators, including an increase in gasoline demand and a decrease in production. Despite these factors, the state average remains below recent benchmarks, with a 19-cent drop from last month and a 20-cent decline compared to the same time last year.
A typical fill-up at this price would cost around $42 for a 15-gallon tank, which is about $15 cheaper than the high point in July 2024. However, for Michiganders taking multiple road trips during the holiday season, even small price increases can add up quickly.
As of January 5th, AAA's daily tracker shows Michigan averaging $2.697 per gallon, lower than both last week and a month ago. The daily data provide context for the three-cent weekly rise, which was just one snapshot in mid-December.
Currently, Michigan is paying less than some other parts of the state, with metro Detroit's average price at $2.86 per gallon. However, regional variations are noticeable, with places like Ann Arbor and Marquette paying more than others.
Looking ahead to the next few weeks, AAA advises watching demand, crude inventories, and regional spreads within Michigan. A sustained high in demand could keep prices elevated, while a buildup of crude inventories or a drop in regional prices could help contain costs.
The rise is not drastic enough to prompt panic buying or empty parking lots, but it does make people pause, especially during peak holiday travel months when budgets are already stretched thin. While some cities are paying more than others, metro Detroit's average price ticked down by three cents despite the statewide increase.
AAA attributes the small change to national indicators, including an increase in gasoline demand and a decrease in production. Despite these factors, the state average remains below recent benchmarks, with a 19-cent drop from last month and a 20-cent decline compared to the same time last year.
A typical fill-up at this price would cost around $42 for a 15-gallon tank, which is about $15 cheaper than the high point in July 2024. However, for Michiganders taking multiple road trips during the holiday season, even small price increases can add up quickly.
As of January 5th, AAA's daily tracker shows Michigan averaging $2.697 per gallon, lower than both last week and a month ago. The daily data provide context for the three-cent weekly rise, which was just one snapshot in mid-December.
Currently, Michigan is paying less than some other parts of the state, with metro Detroit's average price at $2.86 per gallon. However, regional variations are noticeable, with places like Ann Arbor and Marquette paying more than others.
Looking ahead to the next few weeks, AAA advises watching demand, crude inventories, and regional spreads within Michigan. A sustained high in demand could keep prices elevated, while a buildup of crude inventories or a drop in regional prices could help contain costs.
3 cents might not seem like much, but trust me, it adds up when you're on the road with a tank full. And don't even get me started on how prices are varying by city – Ann Arbor is already at $2.93?! That's just cruel 
... I mean, $2.85 is still super reasonable compared to other states. We should be grateful it's not as bad as it was last year 
. And yeah, if you're gonna take a road trip, even small price increases can add up, but at least we're already paying less than some areas in the state 
.
I feel like we're still getting used to the whole "inflation" thing? Like, I remember back when $3 a gallon was super high and now it's only $2.85... doesn't sound that bad, right? 
... I feel you, dude, holiday travel is just around the corner and with budget constraints already being tight it's only gonna make things worse 
... some of us are having to tighten our belts anyway, last year was rough enough for me, can't believe prices are still not back at 2019 levels 
. i'd love to see some data on what's driving the prices tho, is it really just demand and production? or are there other factors at play? 
. I was like, driving around the other day, thinking $2.85 a gallon was already pretty high, but I guess it's not so bad considering how low they were last year 
. Still, for all you folks planning some road trips during the holidays, that extra 3 cents can add up quick, you feel me? 
. aaa's daily tracker says michigan averaging $2.697 per gallon as of jan 5th... so like, not that dramatic lol 
gotta keep an eye on demand & crude inventories tho 
So, I'm driving down the road and my wallet is like "What's going on? 
, those pennies add up quick! 
anyway, $2.85 per gallon is still pretty decent imo, and it's good that metro detroit's average price went down by 3 cents 
let's hope the prices stay stable for now, we're all about saving those pennies 
. anywayz, lets keep an eye on those demand & crude inventories, or else we might see prices go up again