Remember When Gas Was $5.91 in Michigan?

In July of 1992, I received my driver's license. I hopped in my 1986 GMC Jimmy, with the ink barely dry on my temporary Michigan license, and immediately drove to the gas station, where I paid $1.22 a gallon. Twenty-nine years and eleven months later, the state would see the highest recorded gas price in history.

From $1.22 to $5.91—A Gas Price Evolution

Perhaps it's a coincidence, but according to The Gander, that same year, 2022, Michigan-based automotive giant General Motors announced plans to make its most significant investment in the state to date, with two large battery plants for the electric car revolution that was slated to get underway.

Why 2022 Fueled the Spike

Michigan was also getting back to its "new normal" following COVID-19 and months of on-and-off stints of working and learning from home, pivoting, and Zoom calls. Collectively, we had a case of cabin fever that could rival a bear in January.

The urge to get out and stretch our legs was at its peak. But, dreams of summer travel would be quickly dashed in June of 2022, when we saw the highest gas price in Michigan history.

The Day Michigan Gas Hit $5.91

According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), Detroit, Michigan gas stations were charging $5.91 a gallon for gas. Five. Ninety. One.

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I can't imagine seeing that posted at a gas station as I was coasting in on empty and hoping the ten bucks I had in my pocket would get me to work for the next week.

Next Time You Fill Up, Remember This

The good news? Bridge Michigan reports that the price came tumbling down and continued to decline for the next 10 weeks, falling to below $4 by August, before rising slightly to over $5 in October 2022.

RELATED: The Best and Worst Days to Get Gas in Michigan

So the next time you see the price per gallon and internally groan while tapping your card, remember: It could be worse. $5.91 a gallon worse.