Comment on the March 8 prediction: Despite oil jumping over $100 and holding above $90 late in the week, a price hike was avoided, so the prediction was WRONG.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 4 PM: On Monday, February 23, at the Costco that I follow in Kent County, the price per gallon was $2.59. Then, tensions with Iran ramped up, followed by the bombing and the blocking of the Straits of Hormuz, and in the last few days, that same Costco is 90 cents higher, at $3.49 a gallon. Costco is usually a good proxy for the price-to-retailers and is approximately what I have via another calculation, and adding 50 cents normally gives a good estimate for a post-hike price, hence $3.99. I reiterate my prediction from last Sunday. -EA
Not sure what to make of this: The secondary retail fuel market (via cashback apps like Upside) have been very good this weekend in GR, offering 30c/gal discount on gas prices that have already been deflating against the rising oil prices. They usually don’t do more than a few cents cashback when retail prices are low and nearing a spike. Is this a hidden sale on winter blend? Is this a store price war? Moreover… Where does the money for these apps even come from?
According to @GasBuddyGuy: ALERT: #GasPrices appear to be rising to:
$3.999/gal in Michigan
$3.899/gal in Indiana
$3.799/gal in Ohio
$3.799/gal in Kentucky
$3.999/gal in Chicagoland
The $3.99 in Chicagoland is a low ball hike. Hesitant today apparently to cross the $4 level even in Cook County which has about 10c higher taxes.
$3.799 in SW Ohio as of yesterday.
Probably going to see 3.999 in Ohio by Friday, at this rate.
$4.29/4.39 today in Chicagoland