Is it Illegal For Gas Prices To Be $4.20 in Michigan?
You've seen the memes, now that gas has risen over a dollar in the last month we've all been low key laughing that gas may cost $4.20 soon. (And if you're not in on the joke, GAS is another slang word for high end Marijuana, which is represented also by the number 420.)
@sbpbrooke Not the gas price makin 4.20 look bad 😭 #fyp #gas #420 #why ♬ original sound - Brooke_Price
So, as prices shot past $4.20, we thought we missed the ship. However, in the last day or so, gas prices across the region have dropped into that golden zone where in theory, it could be possible. But as I drove around Grand Rapids I noticed prices sitting at two numbers... $4.21 and $4.19.
But... why not $4.20? Why would you not make the ultimate joke in a state where marijuana is legalized and widely beloved by the local population. In fact, Michigan is #7 in the US when it comes to Marijuana sales and consumption.
But there isn't a single pump you'll find in the Grand Rapids metro with this price
And it's not just Grand Rapids that is evading the price... it seems to be a state average too.
Even AAA says no counties have an average price of $4.20
... So what's the deal? Why are we so afraid to leave the price at $4.20? Why not be brave and get the laughs out now?
Well, I dug into the laws of gas pricing in Michigan, and it appears everything is above the board. While our gas prices are determined on the price of oil with the added 14 cent federal tax and the nearly 28 cent state fuel tax, there is nothing that sets a cap or limit to what price you can set gasoline in this state.
So why are all the gas stations being cowards? No clue. But, I'm here waiting until they give me something to giggle over. (And if you want to complain about the high prices, good news you can do it here.)