Gasoline prices in Michigan remained at $3.25 a gallon on Sunday, about the same as a week ago, but prices are expected to fall as refiners switch to winter-grade gasoline, which is typically cheaper.
Some Detroit metro stations were already selling gasoline for less than $3 a gallon on Sunday.
“With the state average holding steady, Michigan drivers are seeing gas prices similar to last week,” said Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for AAA. “Decreased gas demand and oil costs will likely lead to declining prices at the pump.”
A month ago, gas prices in Michigan were 27 cents per gallon higher, and a year ago they were 47 cents higher.
Demand for natural gas fell to 8.47 million barrels from 8.93 million, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration. Meanwhile, gasoline production fell, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day. Crude oil is now selling for less than $70 a barrel.
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Winter gasoline, which is required by federal and state regulators, has what is known as a higher Reid vapor pressure. This pressure is a measure of how easily the fuel vaporizes at a given temperature. This allows the fuel to vaporize at lower temperatures, allowing the engine to function properly.
It’s a few cents cheaper per gallon, but it’s also less fuel efficient.
You may save money at the pump, but how much you save on gasoline is difficult to calculate.
In Metro Detroit, the average price per gallon was $3.27, down about 5 cents from last week.
The other areas with the most expensive gas prices were: Ann Arbor, with gas at $3.31 per gallon, and Jackson, $3.31. The cheapest, on average, were in Benton Harbor, $3.10 per gallon; Flint, $3.21 and Saginaw, $3.22.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan gas prices set to fall further as refineries switch to winter blends
