Detroit Gas Prices Have Risen Toward Record Highs
Local drivers are traveling across city lines to secure lower fuel prices as state averages climb near $5 per gallon.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Gas prices in Metro Detroit have surged, with some stations charging as much as $4.99 per gallon. Motorists are increasingly traveling across city lines to seek more affordable fuel options as the state average remains elevated.
Why it matters
Global refining capacity has been constrained by international conflicts and a power outage at an ExxonMobil refinery near Chicago. These supply chain disruptions have pushed local prices closer to historical peaks.
Michigan's current average of $4.92 per gallon sits below the record $5.22 reached in June 2022. Brent crude oil is currently trading at approximately $103 per barrel, while a federal lawsuit alleges KRSM failed to pay $4 million in fuel debt.
The players
KRSM
This company is currently the subject of a federal lawsuit involving allegations of failing to pay for $4 million in fuel.
ExxonMobil
This multinational oil and gas corporation operates a refinery near Chicago that recently experienced a power-related production halt.
The details
Price discrepancies are evident on Harper Avenue, where the Freedom Fuel Network charges $4.47 per gallon compared to $4.99 at a nearby Shell station. The Freedom Fuel site had opened in September with a lower price point of $3.47 per gallon.
Timeline
Michigan reached its record high gas price of $5.22 in June 2022.
The Freedom Fuel station opened in early September 2026.
Michigan's average gas price was recorded in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The current surge in Detroit fuel costs mirrors the volatility seen during the state's record highs in June 2022. This shift highlights how localized supply constraints and global refinery issues directly impact regional pricing structures.
Local drivers are increasingly bypassing neighborhood stations to find cheaper fuel, directly impacting time spent commuting. Households should anticipate sustained higher costs at the pump as regional price variability continues.
The takeaway
Drivers may consider using fuel-tracking apps to identify stations with lower pricing before commuting across city lines. Monitoring local price disparities on corridors like Harper Avenue can help mitigate the impact of fluctuating costs on a monthly budget.
Further reading
For more information on market trends, visit the Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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