Gas Prices Creep Closer To $4

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Metro Detroiters are bracing for $4 a gallon gas prices.

Around the area - the average prices motorists are paying is between $3.75 and $3.95 a gallon.

And GasBuddy.com's Patrick Dehaan is hoping it doesn't get much uglier:

"In the last week we have seen four refinery upsets ... in the region suffering problems - I can't imagine it getting a whole lot worse. As we progress along here in the next week or two ... those refineries will eventually get back on line," said DeHaan.

Dehaan said prices have never been this high - this early in the year and $4 gas prices could be here soon if more refineries go offline.

"It's looking rather bleak for motorists - we could see another round of increases next week ... we continue to be dogged with refinery issues in this region - which is one of the biggest factors in the rising gas prices."

Dehaan said Exxon Mobile in Illinois suffered a problem and was pulled offline Thursday, and issues like these are only causing prices to surge higher.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Terri Lee spoke with motorists who had plenty to complain about.

Many, like Starr Welton of Detroit, said their lifestyles are going to have to change. "I don't know how to catch the bus but it's time for me to learn how to catch the bus because gas prices is absorbent," she said. "You can put fifty dollars in your gas tank and that's only going to take you ... about two days."

As Welton walked into Starbucks she said the coffee and eating out are luxuries she just might have to give up. "I basically do what I have to do - anything extra - is not going to happen."

"I was going to put my credit card in this thing - but I refuse to pay the four dollars - it's ridiculous - this is absolutely insane," said one man who commutes from Southfield to Pontiac.

John, who didn't give his last name, said he's running out of ways to cut the budget. "I've already cut back enough. I'm barely making minimum wage now. I have cut back for the last three years," he said. "This is absolutely insane!"