By Kyle Jackson
Whenever anyone thinks of American freedom, one of the first things that might come to mind is owning a car. However, that goal is becoming more and more costly to maintain.
In the last three months alone, gasoline prices have soared upwards of $5 in some states and cities, including Grand Rapids. As of May 1 Grand Rapids is mainly seeing costs around $4.99 in the downtown and surrounding areas.
WOOD TV8 has a map displaying these gas prices. The data being provided is from GasBuddy.
WOOD TV 8 recently made an Instagram post highlighting the high price of $5 gas within Grand Rapids and highlighted how West Michigan is worse off than the rest of the state. The news outlet even claimed that the state of Michigan is worse off than the majority of the country due to shipping costs.
Robert Miller, a 63-year-old resident of Kentwood, expressed his experience with the current prices.
“With these prices, lately it’s been about $120 (per trip),” Miller said.
He also stated that the majority of his driving is simply “going from one side of town to the next.”
Recently, in a post on X, Patrick De Haan, head analyst for Gasbuddy, stated that states within the Great Lakes region will not see an increase in gas prices for the foreseeable future, with the exception of Wisconsin.
The increase in gas prices is primarily due to the current ongoing conflict between Iran and a joint effort from Israel and the United States.
“Operation Epic Fury,” as it’s been dubbed by President Trump and other political officials, has resulted in cutting off access to the Strait of Hormuz from both Iran and, later, the United States. Due to the blockades, oil tankers transporting crude oil from the Middle East are unable to distribute said oil to the rest of the world, which negatively affects oil stock prices.
As a result, the cost of gas within countries has greatly increased.
According to data gathered by the American Automotive Association, or AAA, the average gas price as of May 1 is $4.392 a gallon nationwide.
Even comparing it to last month’s averages, which were $3.99 a gallon, it is clear that this conflict has resulted in major affordability problems for households within the US.
So what are some methods of surviving this crisis?
As of now, the best way to save money when purchasing gas is by racking up points on loyalty programs, apps, cards and memberships. Multiple gas station companies offer benefits and rewards for new and long-term members.
For example, Shell offers new members $.30 off per gallon on their third fill up when downloading their app. This app offers other rewards as well and the benefits increase as members continue to use it. Additionally, Shell offers a platinum card, which gives members up to $.10 off a gallon.
Similarly, smaller stations also provide rewards and membership deals, such as Exxon offering rewards based on future purchases. Some grocery chains also provide rewards programs, such as Meijer’s M-Perks, Kroger, Walmart +, and more.
Miller stated that he uses M-perks, the rewards system for Meijer, to help with the extreme cost of his gas.
“With Meijer’s rewards, (other rewards) help too,” Miller said.
Other deals can be found with various membership programs, such as BP Earnify, Maverik Adventure Club, and Speedy Rewards, offering deals and select gas stations.
Additionally, Amazon Prime and major warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer deals for anyone with a membership card at their on-location gas pumps.
Some credit cards offer immediate rewards and deals on gasoline upon purchase. Apps, such as AAA and WOOD TV’s map can also help direct consumers to cheaper pumps in their area.
