Michigan gas prices surge ahead of Fourth of July holiday weekend

Michigan roadways are expected to get crowded this week, with an estimated 2.3 million state residents expected to travel during the Independence Day weekend, just as gas prices climb — 16 cents more a gallon on average than last week, according to AAA.

The price Monday for regular unleaded: $3.67. That’s 6 cents more a gallon than this time last month and 11 cents more than a year ago. And if you are calculating the price by the tankful — 15 gallons — that works out to about $55 to fill up.

"Rising crude oil prices have led to higher gas prices across Michigan ahead of Independence Day," said Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswomen for the auto club. "Pump prices will likely continue to rise this week as a record number of motorists fill up for their holiday road trips."

West Texas Intermediate, an oil benchmark central to commodities trading, rose 7 cents to $80.90 a barrel, up from $78.50 two weeks earlier. And crude oil inventories increased by 3.6 million barrels from a week ago.

Some analysts are speculating military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could disrupt crude oil supplies. Hezbollah, for instance, could target Israel’s offshore gas operations and Israel, in response, could target Iran’s oil operations.

More: A record 2.6 million Michigan residents expected to travel for July 4: What to know

In addition, gas demand fell 9.38 million barrels a day to 8.96 million. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 231.2 million to 233.9 million barrels.

In metro Detroit, average prices also went up to $3.59 a gallon, about 5 cents more than a week ago.

And around the state, the most expensive gas price averages were in Jackson, at $3.75 a gallon; Grand Rapids, $3.74, and Lansing, $3.74. The least expensive averages were in: Marquette, $3.53; metro Detroit, $3.59, and  Benton Harbor, $3.69.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan gas prices surge ahead of Fourth of July holiday weekend