Grand Rapids Drivers Hit Hard by Soaring Gas Prices

Grand Rapids residents are adjusting their budgets as gas prices climb toward $5 per gallon, driven by the ongoing war in Iran and local refinery issues.

Drivers across Kent County say the rising costs are forcing them to reconsider travel plans and cut spending.

"It's just a chore and it's a task," said Scott McAllister, a local driver.

The national average price of gasoline is on a trajectory to reach $4.50 per gallon in the next week, according to Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy. Michigan is seeing particularly sharp increases due to refinery snags in the Great Lakes region.

Prices Keep Rising

As of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Michigan residents were paying an average of $4.25 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA data reported by CBS Detroit. That's above the national average of $4.22 per gallon.

The prices have climbed steadily over the past week:

• Monday: $4.02 per gallon
• Tuesday: $4.18 per gallon
• Wednesday: $4.25 per gallon

Patrick De Haan noted that the national price point hit $4.18 on Tuesday and $4.22 on Wednesday. The national average hit $4.17 on April 9, according to CBS Detroit.

War in Iran Driving Costs

The war in the Middle East continues to impact fuel prices, with peace talks appearing stalled.

"Crude oil prices have gone above $100 a barrel again," said AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz.

Jason Miller, a Michigan State University professor, told News 10 the increase is due to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"We're at, at least a 500-million-barrel deficit in terms of global production of energy products compared to where we would have been," said Miller.

Miller said even if diplomacy is reached and the Strait of Hormuz is opened, gas prices will not see an immediate fix. He does not expect to see pre-war gas prices for the rest of this year, according to WILX.

Local Impact on Kent County

In Grand Rapids specifically, drivers are feeling the pinch. Alani Harris fueled up on Lake Michigan Drive Wednesday and paid $4.99 per gallon for regular fuel.

"I've definitely been noticing it inside of my wallet, just things that could have been going to groceries and other things like that," said Harris. "It's been having to go a lot to gas, and I travel often."

Donald Johnson said he has to re-adjust his gas budgets. He said he hopes leaders can come to an agreement on the war in Iran to help bring prices down.

"They know they have a stranglehold on us in the Strait of Hormuz," said Johnson. "I just hope they hurry up and get something done over there, to get some kind of peace situation going."

What People Will Cut

A survey by Advance America found $4.87 per gallon is the tipping point for Michigan families. More than 4 out of 10 people surveyed said they would cut back on eating out or takeout first, followed by travel and leisure at 29%. About 13 percent said they would cut back on groceries, with savings and investments close behind, according to the Detroit Free Press.

"What's striking here is how little headroom many Americans feel they have left," said Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America.

The study surveyed 3,002 adults across the county in early April 2026. About 40 percent said they'd simply drive less. Nineteen percent would combine trips or plan routes more carefully. Seventeen percent would take on extra work or a side income, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Looking Ahead

Experts say people who plan to drive to a summer vacation destination should plan on paying upwards of $4 per gallon, according to WILX.

Michigan's cheapest gas is in Menominee County, at $4.134 per gallon. The highest price for regular is in Schoolcraft County, at $4.319 per gallon, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Sources:

• WZZM13: Grand Rapids drivers hit hard by soaring gas prices
• CBS Detroit: Michigan residents now paying an average $4.25 a gallon for gas
• WILX: Gas prices spike to nearly $5 in Michigan as war in Middle East continues
• Detroit Free Press: Michiganders say they'll cut back when gas reaches this price