CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — Michigan gas prices have surged 60 cents over the past week and are now 75 cents higher than they were at the start of the year, squeezing commuters, rideshare drivers, and workers whose livelihoods depend on fuel.
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Early Tuesday morning, the world's top oil exporter, Aramco, said the pain is only going to get worse if the war in Iran continues to disrupt access to the Strait of Hormuz, and there could be "catastrophic consequences" for the world's oil market. The Strait sees about 20 percent of the world's oil supply flow through it. The Saudi Arabian company's CEO said in an earning call today that further disruption can impact aviation, agriculture, automotive, and other industries. Right now, we're seeing gas rise; the national average, along with Michigan's average, is up about 50 cents per GasBuddy. The last time prices were this high in Michigan was in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Mark Griffin, president of the Michigan Petroleum Association, said the spike is tied to rising crude oil prices, which have climbed to $90 a barrel.
"It has definitely shot up," Griffin said.
Griffin, who has 30 years of experience in the industry, said international conflict is driving the increase.
FULL INTERVIEW: Mark Griffin, President of the Michigan Petroleum Association/Michigan Association of Convenience Stores, talks about rising oil and gas prices
"This is not the first time some global conflict somewhere in the world has caused the global price of crude oil to rise up," Griffin said.
The frustration is widespread. Drivers at gas stations across the area described the situation in blunt terms.
"Outraged," Addison said.
"Terrible," Lahrons said.
"$3.59 now, it's ridiculous," Evan said.
"Getting robbed," Carl said.
"And they say it's going to go up again — no one is going to be able to go to work," Kim said.
Some drivers said they are already rationing how much fuel they put in their tanks.
"On that price, over $100," Lahrons said.
"I only put like $9 in there," Carl said.
"It's going to be a hard day," Addison said.
For workers like Lahrons, a carpenter who drives from job site to job site, and Addison, who does lawn care, fuel is not optional — it is the foundation of their income. When prices rise, they said they are forced to raise their own rates to stay afloat. If prices climb further, they said they will have to act quickly.
"I might have to downsize the truck," Lahrons said.
"Take the bus more," Carl said.
"Stay in the house," Kim said.
Rideshare driver Richard Clark said the math is becoming impossible to ignore.
"It's the basic expense here. I have to have gasoline to roll. If I have cheap gasoline, I'm a really happy guy. If it's not cheap gasoline, I'm on a war path — who do I find to fix this?" Clark said.
He said if prices continue to rise and Uber and Lyft do not compensate by raising their fares, he will have to stop driving altogether.
"That's not going to do me any good," Clark said.
"Something is going to have to give on the gas prices," Lahrons said.
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