Gas prices are seen in downtown Marquette on Monday. (Journal photo by Annie Lippert)

MARQUETTE — Gas prices surged across the state last week. According to GasBuddy, the average price of a gallon of gasoline has risen 83.8 cents per gallon since last week. The average price of gas in Michigan was $4.85 per gallon on Monday. Marquette was slightly below that amount, with stations advertising prices in the $4.60-$4.80 range.

“Gasoline prices rose in every state over the last week, with some of the most significant and fastest increases concentrated in the Great Lakes, where states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois saw sharp spikes, while Wisconsin experienced more modest gains,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “At the same time, diesel prices surged to new records in parts of the region, with some areas touching the $6-per-gallon mark.

“While refinery outages were a key driver behind those outsized increases, early signs of improvement could help ease some of the most extreme price pressures in the Great Lakes in the days ahead. Beyond the region, markets are also digesting a wave of new developments– including OPEC+ raising production for June and President Trump outlining a plan to free stranded ships– which could help restore some supply. However, with so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term.”

Gasoline in Michigan is currently more expensive than the national average, which was $4.42 on Monday. The average price of gasoline on Monday was higher than it has been on that date in at least five years; last year on May 4, the average price of gas was $3.18 a gallon in Michigan, and $3.12 a gallon nationwide.

Rising gas prices means rising costs in households already overburdened by rising food and housing prices.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.