Gaudette stands at a gas station in the drizzle in the small town of Harrison. He used to drive a pickup truck but has now switched to a smaller, more fuel-efficient car.
In Michigan, gasoline costs more than $4.60 per gallon (equivalent to 46 kronor for 3.78 liters).
Unwanted record
Historically, a gasoline price above $4 per gallon has been considered economically painful. Last week, fuel analyst Patrick De Haan made headlines when he noted that the US will have more days with an average price above $4 in 2026 than in any previous year: 158.
Before President Donald Trump decided to attack Iran, the average price of gasoline in the United States was under $3 per gallon. Now it is $4.33, according to the motoring organization AAA.
“The price makes me isolate myself. I don’t care about going into the city (Detroit) because it costs $20 in gas. When I was younger, I loved to drive around and explore - I don’t do that now,” Gaudette says.
Staying at home
Pensioner Debbie, who doesn’t want to give her last name, fills up at the pump next door. She has one word for the price of gas:
Disgusting.
Debbie remembers gasoline costing around $4 per gallon before. But prices now approaching $5 are something she has never experienced.
It makes me stay home more. My daughter lives 45 minutes away. I used to visit her often. Now I don’t because it costs $30 one way just in gas.
Gaudette says the price of gasoline affects how he votes in the midterm elections for Congress, but also says he does not have much trust in politicians.
I vote for the one who does the least damage.
