Gas prices hit a new high in West Michigan

The real-world, non-political talking point reason why gas has been rising is because gasoline inventories in the U.S. are extremely low, and because worldwide, oil production cannot keep pace with supply. Since demand in the U.S. has not lowered significantly at all despite higher prices, the price will likely go much higher.

The northern Midwest is on the brink of widespread gasoline shortages, so it's more expensive, but the energy industry is attempting to divert gas from the Houston to help out. Before the summer is over, do not be surprised if you pull into a gas station and that don't have any gas.

The only downside to a place like FreeRepublic is that people tend to spout off political talking points that don't actually apply to the real world. It's so irritating. Do some research. It's great fun (really).

For instance, did you know that the United States produces 2.5 times as much oil as Iraq does? Or that Saudi Arabia only produces about 14% of the world's oil?

I'm sure those facts will surprise some people.

I still l can’t figure out why an industry is PUNISHING their customers for using an essential product. We buy gas, the oil companies say “oooh, you drive too much! You buy too much much gas, so we’re going to raise the prices to make you use less. Oh, yes, we’ll rake in record profits, but that’s of no concern to you”

I have a horse and buggy on order, just as soon as I save enough money (anyone want to buy a great violin?) to drive up north and pick them up!

Have you ever been to Michigan? I've been to your state. The only reason I will ever go back is to take my kids to see the Redwoods. I can think of hundreds of reasons why California--any of the left coast, for that matter--is simply not for me. But I've been there; I'm not just making a blind judgement.

Michigan is not perfect. We do indeed have some high gas prices. But let me ask you this: can you buy a nice 3 bedroom/2 bath home for under $150,000 anywhere in your state?

I'll take the high gas prices, thanks.

No I’ve never been there. And yes you coud buy dump in an awful neighborhood in a small town that nobody wants to live in for that price. Those of us who own homes bought in the 80’s or earlier are sitting pretty when we’re ready to move to another state. California could be it’s own country with the economy it has. There are too many illegals here, but whose fault is that? Native Californians? It’s the climate and the economy are making this state overpopulated.

Apologies if the three different signs in that image is disconcerting. Its my understanding that all three signs are from the same city, though I didn't take the pics and can't comment any more specifically on them.

I only included the image because I can personally attest to purchasing gasoline in late January for $1.99/gallon at Speedway in Grand Rapids, MI. That price was widespread in th area. Yesterday, I drove past Speedway with the price on the sign being $3.65. And again that price was widespread in the area. I confess that I'm no mathematician or statistician, but I can certainly see that's not very far away from a $2 increase over a $2 price in only 3-4 months.

Also, in November I bought an older Subaru to commute in. The Durango I so enjoy is parked in the driveway, except when the whole family has to go somewhere (the children's car seats don't fit in the Subaru). When I first started filling the car up, I was pleased that it only took about $20. Now just a few months later, it takes about $35. That's a $15 increase on a $20 purchase ... not terribly far from double in a relatively short time period. At twice a week, that can be an additional $120+ per month burden on a family that is already struggling in the face of double job losses, a rising standard of required credentials/qualifications in our previous careers and the sacrifices that are part of retraining to enter the ministry.

Again, my apologies, I understand its probably useful in other areas across the country, but I personally don't find the national average terribly indicative of or helpful to local circumstances because Michigan really isn't the national average ... for example, compare our unemployment rate to the national average.

Its my understanding that all three signs are from the same city

I do not believe that is possible true. I did go look at your source. He shows no data at all, just 3 pictures from obviously different locations and claimed dates.

purchasing gasoline in late January for $1.99/gallon at Speedway in Grand Rapids, MI. That price was widespread in th area. Yesterday, I drove past Speedway with the price on the sign being $3.65

Measuring from a low point dip is not a fair comparison.

I live in Northern Virginia, and saw my personal favorite this week. I pass an Exxon station on my way to work that had gas for $2.97, but was out of regular unleaded. At lunch time, I went back to see if there had been a delivery of gas so I could fill up. The price on the sign had been changed to $3.09, but he was still out of regular! A few days later, the covers were removed from the regular unleaded handles, so I knew he had gas, except now the price was $3.12! (This entire scenario took less than 5 days)

Bottom line: If I had any regular, it would be $3.09, now that I do have some, it's $3.12.

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