LANSING, MI-- Michigan drivers can expect to see slightly higher gas prices this summer than last.
That’s according to the Michigan Agency for Energy, which released its summer fuel price appraisal Wednesday. Those who drive diesel fuel vehicles will see a bigger bump in prices.
Based on federal Energy Information Administration forecasts, the average price per gallon of unleaded gasoline nationwide is expected to be $2.39 during the summer driving season, which runs through September. That’s an increase of 16 cents per gallon over summer 2016, and would add about $160 to how much the average household spends annually on gasoline.
Behind the increase is an uptick in crude oil prices following an agreement by OPEC to limit output, unexpected infrastructure outages, and the start of seasonal maintenance at refineries in the region.
MAE predicts the price and supply of petroleum products will remain stable for the rest of this year. The Upper Peninsula, however, is expected to continue to feel the effect of the closure of the West Shore Pipe Line in Wisconsin, which has strained supplies to the region.
