Michiganders Driving Less Due to High Gas Prices
The increase of gas prices is a nationwide concern.
Drivers are paying an average of $68 for a full 15–gallon tank of gasoline, a $17 increase from last November. “I don’t even want to go anywhere compared to gas prices last year. The inflation of gas, its hard to make it,” said Brandy Lowell, manager of a BP gas station in Alpena.
According to AAA data, Michigan is leading the country when it comes to inflated gas prices. Many motorists are considering cutting back on driving. “I don’t travel as much, I’ve been walking a lot more. My family lives down in Owosso and Lansing. Trips, have to plan a little longer to make sure I have enough budget for fuel,” said Abraham Brown, a BP customer.
The inflation of gas prices has affected motorists, but it hasn’t completely slowed down business. “With the bridge detour we have been busier, but when the bridge was open, we did slow down. With it being the holiday it did slow down a little bit, but its still pretty steady here,” said Lowell. 
COVID’s effect on the economy created an evident increase in gas prices. “People stopped traveling during COVID–19 and it created demand destruction,” said Brown. “People weren’t buying gas and now all of a sudden people are back out and want to get out and about and the supply chain has been disrupted.”
Michigan gas prices reached a new average height of $4.32 a gallon, anchoring a new record high for the state.
