(CBS-DETROIT) – Just in time for Thanksgiving, AAA reported on Monday Gas prices in Michigan have fallen 12 cents since last week.
Drivers in Michigan are paying an average of $3.01 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, which is 17 cents less than this time last month and 18 cents cheaper than this time a year ago, according to AAA.
On average, a 15-gallon tank costs Michiganders $45, which is $13 less than what they paid as of the 2023 high in August.
In Metro Detroit, drivers are fueling an average of $3.06 per gallon, about 7 cents less than last week and 17 cents less than this time last year.
Gas prices are also expected to be lower this Thanksgiving than last year. The national average last Thanksgiving Day was $3.26, and the Michigan average was $3.19.
“As drivers prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving this week, they will see lower gas prices across Michigan,” said AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland.
AAA says the most expensive gas prices in the state are in Ann Arbor ($3.07), Metro Detroit ($3.06) and Marquette ($3.01), while the least expensive prices are in Benton Harbor ($2.85), Saginaw ($2.90) and Flint are located. ($2.92).
AAA offers the following tips to save on gas:
• Combine errands to reduce driving time.
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
• Consider paying in cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
• Remove excess weight from your vehicle.
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.
• Sign up for savings programs. AAA members who enroll in the Shell Fuel Rewards program can save 5 cents per gallon when they fill up with Shell.
AAA estimates that close 2.6 million Michigan residents will travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving. That’s a record high for Thanksgiving travel and 65,000 more travelers than in 2023.
“We expect to see record travel numbers across the board,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA. “As more people take to road, air, rail and sea, travelers should expect busy roadways and longer lines at transportation terminals. AAA encourages travelers to develop their plan now and consider travel insurance, which provides compensation for flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage.”
AAA expects nearly 2.3 million Michiganders will travel by car during the holidays.
