Towards the end of February, gas prices all around Michigan skyrocketed, and the average was $4.127, which is more than $1.20 more than what it had been at the beginning of the year. 

 This year Michigan hit an all-time high price of gas of over $4 per gallon. Gas prices had already been rising by the end of 2021, but after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, there was a major incline and has risen every day since then.  

 Russia supplies around 12% of the world’s oil supply, which is used to make gasoline in the U.S. Without that supply, source countries like the U.S. have to turn to different alternatives. While Russia has 15% of oil supply around the world, the U.S. produces around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, which can allow nations to cut off Russian imports. But even with cutting off Russian imports, there is still not enough supply to go around, which is why the U.S. saw a fast increase in gasoline prices.

 “A rise in gas demand, alongside a drop in total supply, is contributing to higher pump prices. However, increasing oil prices play the lead role in pushing gas prices higher,” an AAA spokesperson told Forbes Advisor. “Pump prices will likely continue to rise as crude prices continue to climb.”

 As prices were going up in Michigan and around the U.S. at the beginning of April, Michigan has recently been seeing gas prices slowly go back down. According to TV6, crude oil prices reversed and the U.S. will release one million barrels of oil per day from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

 “A decrease in demand alongside higher gasoline stocks has led to lower pump prices,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group.  

Ways everyone can save gas according to local news spokespersons:

• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
• Consider paying cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
• Remove excess weight in your vehicle.
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.
• Enroll in savings programs. AAA Members who enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program can save 5 cents per gallon when they fill up at Shell. 
• Click here for more information.