Michigan
Experts reveal where Michigan’s gas comes from and why pump prices continue to rise
LANSING, Mich. — No matter where Michiganders go, they’re paying more to fill up, but experts say there’s a lot that goes into those rising prices.
According to AAA, Michigan’s gas price average hit $4.01 on Tuesday, which is about $1.10 higher than a month ago.
The prices echo what’s being paid for crude oil, which sits just below $100 a barrel.
That’s being driven by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for the world’s oil.
But what Michigan drivers are putting in their car isn’t impacted by that, at least not when it comes to transportation of the oil used in domestic gasoline.
“You have some oil coming from Canada, you have oil coming from literally out in the middle of the Gulf of America, as we call it today, coming up from Texas, it comes on pipelines from out west, from the Dakotas.,” Michigan Petroleum Association President Mark Griffin said.
The U.S. is a net exporter of oil, meaning it produces more than it uses, but even with a large domestic supply, high prices are the result of basic economics.
“It’s much like if you were to buy a share of stock from a company today at a hundred bucks and we find out tomorrow that they’re the only source for this widget that we all have to have and their stock rises up to $200,” Griffin said. “The company did nothing unique on that day, but their stock went up and now it’s worth more. That same thing happens to us with crude oil.”
Griffin, who also represents convenience store owners, says there’s not much gas stations can do.
“The typical gas station, about 70% of their gross sales is motor fuel, but it’s only 30% of their profit,” he said. “Retailers have to adjust their prices first to be able to pay for replacement costs. If you’re buying 10,000 gallons at a time and the price goes up 50, 70 cents a gallon, like we’ve seen, you have to raise your prices now to be able to afford that next load or you’ll go out of business.”
Other pressures facing fuel include the annual switch to the summer blend of gas that can temporarily lower supply and boost prices.
Michigan’s gas tax structure also changed this year, leading to a price increase, according to Griffin.
To stay competitive, Griffin says many gas stations do try to sell below cost, hoping to ease the burden and bring customers in.
“Our in-store sales go down because people literally just don’t have the money in their pocket to spend inside the store,” he said. “That’s one reason why we would much rather see these costs go down.”
So, there’s not much drivers can do to escape the high prices, but AAA has tips.
“Now is a really good time for drivers to consider shopping around,” AAA Michigan Spokesperson Adrienne Woodland said. “They may want consider paying cash for gasoline. Some retailers charge more if you use a credit card. Now is also a great time for drivers to enroll in fuel reward savings programs”
Otherwise, both Griffin and Woodland believe gas prices will remain volatile alongside oil prices, so it’s not clear whether they will come down any time soon.
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to least 30 years in prison.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.
Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.
Shirah’s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.
Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.
BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.
Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.
Free admission begins at 10 a.m.
General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.
A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.
Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond
The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.
“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”
Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.
Future dates planned
The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.
For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.
This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.
ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The spirit of curling is one of friendship.
While memory of the Winter Olympics may have long melted away in the minds of many Americans, there some whose curiousness for the sport of curling has extended all the way into the springtime.
“Everybody’s having fun,” said Paul Curran, league manager for the Grand Rapids Curling Club. “It’s a really weird sport in that it’s really friendly.”
The club, which plays at the Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Algoma Township, has seen a recent spike in interest in its beginners leagues and learn to curl classes.
“We’re all here to curl and learn,” said beginner Aaron Schwieterman. “Everyone’s making mistakes, but still having a great time learning the sport and trying to mimic what the professionals do at the Olympics.”
“I recommend it to anybody who wants to try something different,” said beginner Margaret Steketee. “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”
For a period of time on the ice, these newcomers to the sport turn into competitors. Then, at the conclusions of their games, they revert to being friends.
“Largely, what you’ll find with curlers is that when they’re done curling, they want to be friendly and hang out,” Curran said. “Which is what our league is doing right now.”
As long as people are interested, Curran says the club will continue to put on beginners leagues and lessons.
“The more people we get out here curling, the better,” he said.
For more information on ways to play and learn how to curl in West Michigan, visit the Grand Rapids Curling Club’s website.
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