Michigan AG Goes After Gas Station for Possible Price Gouging

It's unlikely Michigan gas prices will be a "dollar-something" ever again, but that doesn't mean excessively high prices are acceptable.

For travelers renting a vehicle, it's never more noticeable when prices are extremely high than when you're near a return lot.

Which makes a move by Michigan's Attorney General somewhat surprising.

Gas Station Price Gouging in Michigan?

Investigators have been sent to the BP gas station at Middlebelt and Wick Roads near Detroit Metro Airport to track prices according to WDIV-TV.

Detroit Metro Airport with nearby gas stations. Credit: Google Maps, Canva

That's the one located very close to the car rental return lot off I-94.

The BP owner says it's not gouging.

Owner Marvin Hada told WDIV-TV:

...price gouging is when only one gas station in the area is charging higher prices and that that isn’t the case.

He may have a point but has until January 8th to respond. Or possibly face a formal investigation or civil lawsuit.

Price comparison at two nearby BPs vs Middlebelt & Wick Roads

Google Street View updates this area often. These pics would have been taken on the same or next day.

So, we pulled some images for a side-by-side comparison.

Credit: Google Street View, Canva

That's $3.64/gallon on the right for BP at Michelle Drive & Wayne Road just across I-94 from the airport.

The location next to the rental car return, on the left, is $4.64 unless you have the BP Visa Card to get it at $4.49.

Credit: Google Street View, Canva

Going back to December 2021, during the pandemic, gas at Middlebelt & Eureka BP was $3.15/gallon while it was $3.59/gallon next to the rental car return lot.

That's for 87 Octane... the "cheap stuff."

When the AG got involved a few days ago, the price had been lowered to $4.09/gallon for the "cheap stuff."

But mid-grade was $5.09/gallon and premium clocked in at $6.09/gallon.

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For as long as we can remember that gas station has always had much higher prices. So, it's strange someone finally complained about it.

We'll see what happens in a couple of weeks and keep you posted.

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Gallery Credit: JR