LANSING, MICHIGAN March 24, 2026— U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) drew attention Tuesday to sharply rising fuel costs in her home state, posting on X that gas prices in Lansing had reached $4.19 per gallon for regular unleaded, with Michigan’s statewide average hitting $4.00 per gallon.
The senator shared a photo of an Exxon station price sign clearly displaying “Regular 4.19” to underscore the impact on Michigan drivers.
The post comes as AAA and GasBuddy data confirm Michigan gas prices have surged in recent weeks. As of March 23, the statewide average stood at approximately $3.92–$3.96 per gallon, but rapid increases pushed several areas — including Lansing — over the $4 mark by March 24. Some counties have already seen prices top $4 per gallon, with isolated stations reaching as high as $4.82.
Experts point to two main drivers: ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the annual switch to more expensive summer-blend gasoline. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran have strained global oil supplies, sending crude prices higher and adding upward pressure at the pump. Seasonal refinery changes ahead of summer driving season have compounded the effect.
Michigan drivers are feeling the pinch more acutely than many other states due to the state’s relatively high gas tax, which rose to 52.4 cents per gallon in January 2026. A typical 15-gallon fill-up now costs motorists roughly $59, according to AAA.
Nationally, the average price for regular unleaded has climbed to around $3.96, the highest level since August 2023.
Slotkin’s message arrives amid broader political debate over energy prices. While some Republican critics note that prices remain below peaks seen during the previous administration, Democrats including Slotkin have used the increase to highlight the real-world costs of current foreign policy and supply-chain challenges.
No immediate relief measures, such as a temporary state or federal gas-tax suspension, have been announced by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer or the Trump administration as of Tuesday evening.
Motorists are advised to shop around using apps like GasBuddy, as prices can vary significantly by location — with the cheapest stations in Michigan currently hovering near $3.09 and the highest exceeding $4.80.
As spring travel season ramps up, analysts warn that prices could continue climbing until Middle East oil flows stabilize and seasonal factors ease.
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