LANSING, September 12, 2001.  The sudden surge of gasoline prices in Michigan 

and throughout the Midwest is a result of the uncertainty stemming from the terrorist 

attack yesterday.  No known events occurred yesterday that affected the ability of 

the oil industry to supply the needs of Michigan.



     Laura Chappelle, Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission, stated, 

"Michigan's gasoline supplies have not been disrupted as a result of the attacks 

in New York and Washington.  Motorists should continue with their normal buying 

patterns.  I would like to commend the oil companies who have pledged to practice 

price restraint under these circumstances."   



     Nationally, refineries and pipelines have increased security.  Gasoline 

production and transportation were not generally affected.  The Marathon refinery 

in Detroit is operating at full capacity and loading terminals are open.  In 

addition, gasoline inventories in the Midwest are in excess of 2 billon gallons and 

oil companies report that the supply is sufficient to meet demand.  In contrast to 

Michigan, gasoline prices on the East Coast, which were more directly affected by 

yesterday's tragedy, have not seen the price increases observed in the Midwest.





September 12, 2001

Michigan gasoline supplies stable	

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