Gas prices in Michigan hit 2024 high, could spike again with escalating Mideast tension
Gas prices in Michigan hit a high Saturday for 2024 with an average of $3.70 a gallon as the cost of oil goes up. Gasoline prices came down slightly, Sunday — by a penny — but are still 15 cents more than just a week ago.
"Michigan motorists are seeing higher pump prices, with the state average setting a new 2024 high," said Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for AAA. "If crude oil prices continue to rise, alongside tight supply, then gas prices will likely follow suit."
Moreover, some speculate that heightened tension in the Middle East, with Iran this weekend launching hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel, could cause gas prices to rise even more. Most of the missiles were intercepted, and it is unclear whether the attack will escalate violence.
Metro Detroit Jewish leaders said Sunday that Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel over the weekend left them shaken and worried amid Israel’s now six-month war in Gaza, the Free Press reported. It was the first direct attack on Israel by a sovereign state since 1991.
More: US says it will defend Israel but would not be part of Iran attack response: Live updates
The salvo was a response to Israel’s April 1 bombing of an Iranian consular office in Syria.
Michigan gas prices average $3.69 a gallon for regular unleaded, which is up 19 cents from a month ago, but 2 cents less than last year, according to AAA. Motorists are paying about $55 for a 15-gallon tank, about $3 less than 2023’s high in August.
The average daily gas price in metro Detroit is $3.65, up 9 cents from last week.
Around the state, the most expensive average gas prices were in Marquette, $3.83; Jackson, $3.76 and Lansing, $3.75. The least-expensive average prices: Traverse City, $3.61; metro Detroit, $3.65, and Grand Rapids, $3.71.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan gas prices hit 2024 high, could go higher as oil prices rise
