News Summary
Gas prices are on the rise in Grand Rapids, with the average cost hitting $3.22 per gallon, marking a significant increase this week. Nearby cities like Kalamazoo and Lansing are also seeing jumps in their gas prices, while some counties maintain lower costs. National trends show a similar rise, tied largely to seasonal factors and refinery maintenance. As summer approaches, drivers are advised to top off their tanks as prices may peak in April before easing slightly by Memorial Day. A regional look reveals vast differences in pricing across West Michigan.
Gas Prices Surge in Grand Rapids as Summer Approaches
Here in beautiful Grand Rapids, we’re all feeling the pinch at the pump! Gas prices have shot up, with the average cost creeping to $3.22 per gallon. This marks an increase of about 15.7 cents just this week. It seems like each time we fill our tanks, we’re watching a little bit more disappear from our wallets!
Kalamazoo and Lansing Not Far Behind
In nearby Kalamazoo, folks are also noticing the rise, as average prices hit $3.18 per gallon, with an increase of 13.8 cents this week alone. Lansing isn’t far behind either, with gas now costing about $3.17 per gallon, which is up by 12.9 cents.
But not all areas in West Michigan are feeling the heat. Van Buren and Newaygo Counties are holding out a bit longer, with lower average gas prices of $3.119 and $3.112, respectively. If you’re in the Muskegon or Allegan Counties, you’ll find prices are about 6 cents more than those two counties. It seems like the prices really vary from place to place!
Counties with Sky-High Prices
Several counties, including Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Barry, Kalamazoo, and Calhoun, have jumped above $3.20 per gallon. For those of you who are planning road trips or just running errands, you may want to fill up before hitting the road! Fueling up is becoming quite the expense.
National Trends and What’s Driving Prices Up
On a broader scale, the national average for gas prices has also seen an increase, rising by 6.3 cents over the past week to reach approximately $3.08 per gallon. Interestingly, this figure is actually still 42.5 cents lower than what we saw just a year ago. It’s comforting to think that prices were even higher last year, but the recent increases are largely tied to the switch to summer gasoline.
Economists suggest this rise isn’t being affected by any political decisions or tariffs—rather, it’s more about seasonal transitions and refinery maintenance issues. As warmer months approach, demand typically picks up, leading to higher prices; and as the Northeast gears up for summer gasoline, they might see prices jump by another 20 to 40 cents per gallon.
Spotting the Lowest Prices
If you’re hunting for cheap gas, take a trip to Lawton, Oklahoma, where prices are the lowest at about $2.58 per gallon. Meanwhile, if you’re heading to Lihue, Hawaii, be prepared to spend a whopping $5.12 per gallon—talk about a budget buster!
What to Expect Moving Forward
Drivers in Grand Rapids should prepare for another increase of about 25 to 65 cents per gallon from mid-February to April due to seasonal factors. Prices are expected to peak around April 10 before starting to ease a bit by the time Memorial Day rolls around. If you need to top off your tank, it might be a good idea to do so sooner rather than later!
The trends in gas pricing can feel like a roller coaster, with ups and downs at the pump affecting all of us. Just be sure to keep a close eye on those numbers and plan your refueling wisely!
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Additional Resources
- Stacker: How Gas Prices Have Changed in Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids MN: Gas Prices Changes in Minnesota
- WZZM: Gas Prices Average in Grand Rapids
- WOODTV: Gas Prices Set to Rise in Michigan
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Gas Prices Update
- Wikipedia: Gasoline
- Google Search: Gas Prices Trends
- Google Scholar: Gas Prices
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gasoline
- Google News: Gas Prices
