Michigan Gas Prices Spike Overnight After Refinery Shutdown
DETROIT (WWJ) - Metro Detroit drivers are experiencing pain at the pump after an oil refinery issue in Indiana.
According to AAA Michigan, gas priced in the area jumped anywhere from 15 to 30 cents overnight, to a statewide average of about $2.58 a gallon.
"The BP refinery is experiencing an unexpected shutdown and we don't know the extent of the damage, but we do know there's going to be price increases...and it looks like it's continuing to go higher," AAA spokeswoman Susan Hiltz said.
Hiltz told WWJ Newsradio 950 the shutdown — at the nation's seventh largest refinery and the largest in the Midwest — is affecting gas prices in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
Jewel Jones of Farmington says not happy about the prices, but there is nothing drivers can do about it.
"We need gas, so you just pay it! You just pay it! You gotta get to work, you gotta get the kids to school, you just pay it! That's all. You just pay it," Jones said.
Hiltz offered the following tips for saving fuel when prices are high:
"Accelerate gradually, anticipate your stops, avoid long warm-ups in the morning, maintain your recommended tire pressure, keep your air filter clean, slow down, combine errands, don't use your trunk for storage, and shop around for the best price in gas."
[Find the best price for gas near you HERE].
