Mich. officials urge calm over gas prices

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Sep 12, 2008 at 6:36 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 12, 2008 at 6:36 PM EST

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Attorney General Mike Cox said Friday there's no reason to panic over gasoline prices rising because of a hurricane in the Gulf Coast region.

They promised to monitor and swiftly deal with any gas gouging in the state.

Hurricane Ike threatens some of the Gulf Coast's oil refineries. Gas prices were beginning to edge up Friday in several locations, including Michigan, even before the hurricane landed.

AAA-Michigan's daily survey found the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $3.88 statewide early Friday. The Lansing area had an average price of about $3.95 per gallon. A spot check by The Associated Press found gas prices ranging from $3.92 to $4.29 per gallon within a several block area in Lansing early Friday evening.

Motorists were lining up to get gas at stations where prices remained below $4 a gallon.

"I want to make very clear that the storm has not affected the price of gasoline, nor should it affect the price of gasoline, in Michigan right now," Granholm said.

"Our main message is this: Please do not panic," Granholm said. "There should not be a rush to gas stations. There is an ample supply now to meet the current demand."

Gas gouging is punishable by a $25,000 fine per violation, Granholm said.

Officials said that a consumer rush to stock up on gas could reduce supply, which in turn could drive up prices.

Closing oil refineries because of the hurricane also could lead to an eventual bump in gas prices at some point, but that should not be reflected in current prices.

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