Gasoline prices in Madison increase (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
Gas prices appear to be on the rise.
We’re seeing an uptick in gas prices throughout the Midwest, and that includes the Badger State. Nick Jarmusz of AAA Wisconsin says it’s unclear as to why the prices are spiking. “We aren’t aware of any specific outages or shutdowns at any refineries in the Midwest, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t happening.”
Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan typically get the brunt of price spikes in the Midwest, according to Jarmusz. One gas station in Madison has increased its price of unleaded regular to $3.75 a gallon. According to GasBuddy.com, gas in southeast Wisconsin is hovering around four bucks. The statewide average is $3.70.
“We’re not 100 percent sure why, and it’s always hard to nail down an exact reason why gas prices are doing what they’re doing, because there are so many factors that go into determining that final price at the pump.” Jarmusz adds, “What we do know for sure is that demand is up. That’s a cyclical, seasonal thing that always happens in the spring — this spring in particular because of the harsh winter we had.”
Jarmusz says refineries might be struggling to keep up with the increase in demand, now that winter is over and people just want to get out. The auto club is not aware of any refinery outages, shutdowns, or significant maintenance projects.