Exactly how much the increases are and why are touchy subjects. Several stations declined to comment on their increases, or referred questions to corporate headquarters - which also declined to comment. A couple weeks ago, he was losing a penny a gallon, he said. Richard Pitzer of Interlochen said if you go back a few days further, increases are even more significant. He suspects the deer hunting season is the reason why.
Deer hunting is one.
The station down the road did it. Crude oil prices are at their highest levels in nearly three years. Continued mild weather has kept demand for gas strong. OPEC nations have cut production. A Total refinery in Alma closed last month, which means gas must be shipped farther to get to Traverse City.