'It's been killer': Hollanders talk crippling pain at the pump

Cassandra Lybrink, The Holland Sentinel
·3 min read
For the first time, Michigan gas prices have surpassed an average of $5.
For the first time, Michigan gas prices have surpassed an average of $5.

HOLLAND — For the first time, Michigan gas prices have surpassed an average of $5.

For some families, that's enough money for dinner.

In the last week alone, according to GasBuddy, prices in Michigan rose 47.1 cents per gallon, averaging $5.05 on Monday, June 6. That's 73.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and $2.07 higher than a year ago.

The record-breaking prices are crippling some Holland households, particularly those already struggling with increased prices on groceries, homes and other goods.

"From someone who's living from check to check, it's killing us," wrote Marie Tunstill on local social media group Holland Informed (comments from this group have been edited for length and clarity).

"My husband and I live 15 minutes from Holland," wrote Lucy Sundin. "We moved out here to save on rent, and we do. But we only have one car and we both work and we have a minivan because we have kids. We (definitely) feel the gas price spike. It seems to be making everything else go up (too). For the first time in my life, I am on food stamps."

The 11-gallon tank of a Ford Fiesta costs about $55 to fill, while a 26-gallon Ford F-150 costs about $130.
The 11-gallon tank of a Ford Fiesta costs about $55 to fill, while a 26-gallon Ford F-150 costs about $130.

Disabled residents, and those on social security, are also struggling.

"For those of us who are disabled, it is extremely difficult," wrote Douglas Flamboe. "We already struggle with normal bills to pay, struggle to keep a home by keeping property taxes current, now gas prices. (Despite) a highest in history 'raise' in social security ever seen in this country, it still doesn't come near covering everything with gas prices so high."

To put prices into perspective, the 11-gallon tank of a Ford Fiesta costs about $55 to fill, while a 26-gallon Ford F-150 costs about $130. A year ago, when prices were around $3 per gallon, those numbers were $33 and $78, respectively. If tanks are filled, on the low end, twice a month, small vehicle owners are shelling out $44 more per month and truck owners are spending $104 more per month.

For some households, those dollars are essential.

"It's been killer," wrote Angi-James Smead. "My husband commutes to Muskegon for work. Our paychecks are spread thinner than ever before."

Even homes that save on gasoline are finding price increases in other places.

"It really hasn't impacted me as far as driving since I work from home, but it definitely seems to be forcing prices on other goods to go up," wrote Tyler Verkade. "I've seen it already with a few local restaurants and small shops. Hopefully this helps spur some more serious investigations into new alternative/renewable energy sources, because this is not sustainable."

In the last week alone, according to GasBuddy, prices in Michigan rose 47.1 cents per gallon, averaging $5.05 on Monday, June 6.
In the last week alone, according to GasBuddy, prices in Michigan rose 47.1 cents per gallon, averaging $5.05 on Monday, June 6.

"I'm certainly happy to have purchased my first hybrid," wrote Angie Prescott.

Holland is also a tourist town, and travel means extra tanks to fill.

According to Linda Hart, executive director of the Holland Area Visitors Bureau, beach towns haven't yet seen a dip or decline in hotel reservations, but campgrounds — specifically in Silver Lake — have noticed cancellations because of the added expense to haul large rigs.

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"Just when we were all feeling a bit more comfortable to travel, these gas prices make it prohibitive," wrote Paulette Carr.

Hart believes many visitors to the lakeshore will be Michiganders, taking their vacation within a tank or less of their home. Still, travel is expected to increase this summer, even if tourists spend less on lodging, shopping and dining to make up the difference.

"It will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens to lodging rates," Hart wrote in a message to The Sentinel.

When will prices go back to normal? It's hard to say. According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, inventories continue to decline, a culmination of less refining capacity and strong consumption.

"(It's) a situation that doesn't look to improve drastically anytime soon," De Haan said Monday. "Nine states have average gas prices that stand beyond the $5 per gallon mark, with more set to join in the days and weeks ahead."

— Contact reporter Cassandra Lybrink at cassandra.lybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Instagram @BizHolland.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland residents talk crippling pain at the pump as gas prices skyrocket