MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Since the start of US-led attacks on Iran, gas prices have skyrocketed. The price hike is due in large part to the conflict, which has impacted the entire Middle East. The global oil market has become even more uncertain with the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, putting petroleum supply chains at risk. This market volatility was the driving force behind an increase of over 50 cents a gallon in a single week for American gas.
“We had already seen a spike here in Michigan, week to week, in gas prices. But once the conflict began and crude oil prices turned just like we’ve seen, our prices went way up. These are still the highest prices we’ve seen in Michigan since the summer of 2020,” said AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland.
Another factor in the rise in gas prices is the switch over from winter to summer blend gasoline, which causes modest price increases each spring.
“It’s not uncommon to see it this time of year, end of February, early March, because that’s when refineries begin their switch over from winter blend to summer blend of gasoline,” explained Woodland.
AAA reported that the Ann Arbor area has the highest prices, averaging at $3.64 a gallon. While here in Marquette, we have the lowest prices at $3.51 per gallon,
“That’s up about 34 cents compared to this time last week. It’s up 71 cents compared to this time last month, and it’s also up 53 cents compared to this time last year,” said Woodland.
But hey, look on the bright side, we’re cheaper than California, where gas in the San Francisco area is already above $6 a gallon.
