As a war with Iraq becomes imminent, consumers can anticipate gas prices on the home front to take a hit.
According to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average price for a gallon of unleaded self-serve gas in Michigan was $1.76 on Monday.
That figure is a significant increase over prices from the same period last year: Michigan's average gasoline price during March 2002 was $1.29.
AAA spokesman Jim Rink said the current spike in gas prices is a sure sign the driving public is paying close attention to actions abroad before heading to the pumps.
"Based on past history, the public's general reaction to any military action causes prices to increase," he said. "Gas prices have been increasing significantly since the beginning of the year, and a war premium has been built "
Rink said although a recent oil strike in Venezuela also played a role in the rise of gas prices, any further international strife will adversely impact how much consumers are paying to fill their tanks.
"It all depends on how quickly the war situation is resolved, and the protection of oil assets," he said. "If there is collateral damage to oil fields, it will have negative effects on gas prices."
Rink said increases of gas prices is not a guarantee.
"This situation has been going on for so long, and the prices have been rising for so long, the war might actually have a calming effect," he said.
Debbie Alexander, assistant executive director of the Capital Area Transportation Authority, said the transportation authority purchases diesel fuel, and the prices of gasoline sold commercially does not significantly impact CATA's services.
"The threat of war has had no financial impact on us," she said.
"Our annual budget has already seen an increase, but we are still within our budgeted amount," Alexander said.
She estimates area residents will take nearly 9 million rides this year, making CATA's maintenance even more crucial with the country on the brink of war.
"People will reconsider their transportation choices," she said. "Public transportation is a viable option for them when buying gas for their cars is a financial strain."
Sage Eastman, a spokesman for Attorney General Mike Cox's office, said drivers should be wary of gas stations owners taking advantage of the crisis by price gouging - causing unnecessary increases.
"We have an ability under the Consumer Protection Act to go after gas suppliers who are price gouging," he said. "We will continue to be active in warning stations not to take that type of action, but as of yet, we have not seen a high level of gouging."
