Gas prices spike after recent refinery malfunctions

Gas prices throughout metro Detroit have spiked and officials expect the trend to continue after complications with crude oil prices and Midwest pipelines.

“I expect a majority of gas stations to have increased prices at least 10 to 30 cents per gallon by Friday evening with most stations starting to raise prices as early as Thursday when compared to today’s prices,” Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy.com said.

Recent surges in gas prices have been blamed partly on issues with three Midwestern refineries. A 427-mile pipeline also ruptured last Friday.

Enbridge Energy Partners is preparing to investigate and repair the pipeline after it deposited over 1,000 barrels of oil into a central Wisconsin field last Friday. The pipeline carries over 300,000 barrels of oil per day to Chicago-area refineries. Enbridge is also responsible for a 2010 pipeline rupture that released oil into the Kalamazoo River.

Federal transportation officials say the Houston based company must submit a restart plan and investigation before it re-opens the pipeline.

“While this situation will be temporary in stature, prices will remain high as long as these problems continue” DeHaan said.

GasBuddy.com is a popular source for people looking for cheap gas prices from home.  It offers historical gas statistics, gas price maps, fuel saving tips, and more useful information.  The website also has a mobile app for cell phone users on the go.