Gas Prices Down; People Hitting The Road
DETROIT (WWJ) - Gas prices have fallen 4.2 cents per gallon in the past week, now averaging $3.50 per gallon in Detroit.
That's according to the website DetroitGasPrices.com, which says the national average has fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.43 per gallon. However, as of Sunday, prices were still 24.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day a year ago and 1.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.
"While gasoline prices have dropped in the last month and a half, the national average will still come close to breaking a record- the highest ever national average for Thanksgiving," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "I don't really see how gas prices could greatly improve between now and Christmas, given the new military action in the Middle East, and other pressures. It's all but certain the national average will not drop under $3.25 per gallon, which could lead to a perilous start to 2013," DeHaan said.
Michigan Drivers Planning To Hit The Road Over Thanksgiving Holiday
With gas prices down a bit, Michigan's roads and airports are expected to be more crowded this week -- as people pack up and head out of the town for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Nancy Cain, AAA Michigan spokesperson, says more than 1.3 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home. That's up seven percent from last year.
"We're catching up with the rest of the country," Cain said. "We stopped traveling when the economy hit so badly for so many folks. But now, people are feeling a little more comfortable and they're starting to travel, especially during holiday periods when it's important to be with family and friends."
About 89 percent of Michigan residents will travel by car, eight percent by air and three percent by bus or train.
