Gas prices in southeast Michigan recently dipped below $2 a gallon, a notable occurrence given that statewide averages remain significantly higher. This price drop resulted from intense competition between neighboring gas stations in Warren, a suburb of Detroit, where a newly opened Sheetz and an adjacent Speedway engaged in aggressive price-cutting to attract customers.
The Sheetz station triggered this price war by advertising regular unleaded gasoline for just $1.79 per gallon. In response, the Speedway matched that price, leading to long queues of vehicles at the intersection of Van Dyke Avenue and 14 Mile Road in Macomb County. Although these low prices were short-lived, both stations contributed to a notable surge in local traffic. Customers enrolled in Speedway’s rewards program enjoyed additional savings, with some reports indicating prices as low as $1.68 per gallon.
Witnesses reported that during this competitive standoff, prices at times dropped to as low as $1.30 per gallon. Despite the fluctuations, both stations eventually raised their prices back to around $2.39, still below the regional average. According to current data from GasBuddy, other stations in Macomb County listed prices at approximately $2.49 for the same regular octane rating.
This price competition highlights the impact of Sheetz, a Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain that has recently expanded into the Detroit area. Although it has only a handful of locations, Sheetz plans to open as many as 50 to 60 additional stores by 2031. The company is already gaining recognition as one of the top convenience store chains in the Midwest.
Another Sheetz location is currently under construction at Mound Road and 12 Mile Road in Warren. The opening date is yet to be determined, but many are speculating whether this new station will spark another gas price battle similar to the recent competition. For now, residents and commuters in the area are keeping a close eye on the fluctuating prices in hopes of securing the best deals at the pump.
