Circle K in Shelby Township was a busy place Saturday.

Gas prices there dipped to $2.72 per gallon following a trend that had the average price of gas in Michigan down 12 cents from a week ago.

Drivers are now paying an average of $3.01 per gallon for regular unleaded. This price is 17 cents less than this time last month and 18 cents less than this time last year.

Motorists are paying an average of $45 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline; a discount of about $13 from 2023’s highest price last August.

“As drivers prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving this week, they will find lower gas prices across Michigan,” Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group said, in Monday’s report.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand plunged from 9.38 million barrels of crude oil to 8.41. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose slightly from 206.9 million barrels to 208.9, while gasoline production decreased, averaging 9.3 million barrels daily.At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 52 cents to settle at $68.87 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 430.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

AAA forecasts nearly 2.3 million Michiganders will take a road trip over Thanksgiving. Gas prices are expected to be lower this holiday season compared to 2023. The national average last Thanksgiving Day was $3.26 and the state average was $3.19. Currently, Michigan drivers are finding an average price of $3.01.

Compared to last week, Metro Detroit’s average daily gas price decreased. Metro Detroit’s current average is $3.06 per gallon, about 7 cents less than last week’s average and 17 cents less than this same time last year.

AAA’s state and metro gas averages showed:

• Most expensive gas price averages: Ann Arbor ($3.07), Metro Detroit ($3.06), Marquette ($3.01)

• Least expensive gas price averages: Benton Harbor ($2.85), Saginaw ($2.90), Flint ($2.92)

Find local gas prices

• Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com

• Motorists can find the lowest gas prices on their smartphone or tablet with the free AAA Mobile app. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance.

Ways to save on gasoline

• Combine errands to limit driving time.

• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.

• Consider paying cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.

• Remove excess weight in your vehicle.

• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.

For more information visit acg.aaa.com/.