DEARBORN (WWJ) -- Fuel prices are down 8 cents compared to last week -- but gas still rests above $4. Speaking live on WWJ, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Michiganders need relief right now.
Despite the drop, the state's average is still $1.41 higher than this time last year, according to AAA. Michiganders are now paying an average of $4.16 per gallon for regular unleaded, which is still 79 cents more than this time last month.
The average price for a full 15-gallon tank is $62 -- an increase of about $11 from when prices were their highest last November, according to the Auto Club Group.
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Triple-A said prices of crude oil spiked, but this changed course in reaction to China announcing new lockdowns alongside rising COVID-19 infection rates.
As it did in 2020 when countries sought to curb the COVID-19 transmission rates, the prices of oil has decreased due to market concerns that demand for crude oil will decline, said AAA.
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"After a volatile week for the oil markets, Michigan motorists are beginning to see a slight drop in gas prices," said Adrienne Woodland, AAA's spokesperson. "If oil prices continue to decline, pump prices will likely follow suit."
As for Metro Detroit, the average daily gas price decreased compared to last week. The current average is $4.18 per gallon, which is about 7 cents less than last week’s average -- but still $1.43 more than this same time last year.
Most expensive gas price averages:
• Marquette $4.28
• Traverse City $4.22
• Ann Arbor: $4.19
Least expensive gas price averages:
• Grand Rapids: $4.13
• Saginaw: $4.15
• Jackson: $4.15
Whitmer said she wants to suspend Michigan's 6% state sales tax on gasoline, which would save motorists 25 cents a gallon -- but she doesn't support the plan by Republicans in Lansing to pause the 27 cent per gallon federal gas tax.
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"Their plan doesn't actually go into effect until next year," said Whitmer. "The people at the gas pump are struggling right now."
Whitmer said her plan would take effect immediately.
She also added that Michiganders should expect to have a little more money in their pockets soon once they receive the $400 check from the state's auto insurance reform.
