Michigan gas prices drop and could go lower as students return to school

Michigan’s average gas prices fell 12 cents from a week ago, down on Sunday to $3.46 a gallon for regular unleaded, and could go lower, as the summer travel season winds down and students begin to return to school.

"For the third week in a row, Michigan motorists are seeing lower prices at the pump," Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for AAA, said early Monday. "Tepid gasoline demand and stable oil costs may cause gas prices to slide further."

The auto club, however, warned drivers to start to expect more traffic on the road as school starts again, and to be on the look out for children at bus stops and in school zones.

Nearly 1 out of every 5 children — 14 and younger — who dies in a traffic crash is a pedestrian, according to AAA. The auto club added that while drivers should exercise caution, pedestrians also have a responsibility for being safe.

Some students may be biking to and from school. And new drivers also are a concern. AAA also warned to be alert for inexperienced drivers, who may may speed and take unnecessary risks if they are running late to school.

"Get ready for heavier traffic than normal, especially at first, since a lot of parents like to drive their kids to campus during the first few days back," Woodland said. "It would be a good idea to budget an extra half hour for your morning commute."

As for the price of gas at the pump, the price of gas was 6 cents less than a month ago and 42 cents less than this time last year with motorist paying $51 for a 15-gallon tank, about $7 less than they were paying during last year’s high price in August.

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Metro Detroit’s average gas price fell to $3.54 a gallon, about 9 cents less than it was last week, but was among the communities with the most expensive gas averages, according to the auto club, which tracks prices at gas stations nationwide.

The lower prices were driven, in part, by a lower oil price, with West Texas Intermediate, a benchmark used by oil markets, steeling at about $77 a barrel, as crude oil inventories increased by 1.4 million barrels from a week ago.

Gas demand edged higher from 8.96 million barrels a day to 9.04 million barrels a day. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell from 225.1 million barrels to 222.2 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Around the state, in addition to metro Detroit, the most expensive gas price averages were in Ann Arbor, where gas was $3.57 a gallon and Jackson, $3.51. The least expensive prices were in Flint, 3.34 a gallon, Saginaw, $3.39 and Benton Harbor, $3.40.

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

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan gas prices drop and could go lower as students return to school