Michigan gas prices remained $3.25 a gallon Sunday, the same price, on average, it was a week ago, but it is expected to drop as refineries switch to winter-blend gasoline, which tends to cost less.
Some metro Detroit stations on Sunday already were selling gas below $3 a gallon.
“With the state average holding steady, Michigan motorists are seeing gas prices similar to what they were this time last week,” said Adrienne Woodland, a AAA spokeswoman, said. “Tumbling gasoline demand and oil costs will likely cause pump prices to slide.”
A month ago, gas prices in Michigan were 27 cents more a gallon, and a year ago, 47 cents more.
Gas demand fell from 8.93 million barrels to 8.47 million, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration. Meanwhile, gasoline production decreased, averaging 9.4 million barrels a day. Crude oil is now selling below $70 a barrel.
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Winter-blend gas, which is required by federal and state regulators, has what is called a higher Reid Vapor Pressure, a measure of how easily the fuel evaporates at a given temperature, so the fuel can evaporate at lower temperatures for the engine to operate properly.
It is cheaper by a few cents a gallon, but it also is less fuel efficient.
So you may save at the pump, but how much you save on gas is difficult to calculate.
Around the state, Metro Detroit’s average was $3.27 a gallon, about 5 cents less than last week.
The other areas with the most expensive gas price averages were: Ann Arbor, with gas at $3.31 a gallon, and Jackson, $3.31. The least expensive, on average, were in Benton Harbor, $3.10 a gallon; Flint, $3.21 and Saginaw, $3.22.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan gas prices to tumble more as refineries turn to winter blends
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
