Retail gasoline prices in central Michigan fell as much as 12 cents a gallon this week, but still remained at their highest levels since May. The price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline at most retailers fell below the psychological $3 per gallon line early in the week, but still ended the week 25 to 41 cents a gallon higher than they were a year ago. Countywide average prices in Isabella County were a nickel above the state average, and the county average was a penny above the state average in Gratiot County. Prices were below the state average in Clare, Midland and Montcalm counties. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, a barrel of benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude closed the week at $81.95, down nearly $3. The price of unleaded gasoline futures fell 2 cents to $2.19 a gallon. Here is a look at some representative prices for a gallon of unleaded regular gas as of Friday afternoon: Average price by county: • Clare: $2.91, down 10 cents over seven days. • Gratiot: $2.95, unchanged cent from last week; • Isabella: $2.99, down 10 cents from last week; • Midland: $2.91, down 8 cents from last week; • Montcalm: $2.87, down 12 cents in the last week. • Lowest reported prices in region: Howard City, $2.85 • Highest prices in region: Midland, $3.09 • Lowest prices in state: Lambertville, $2.66 • Highest prices in state: Romulus, $3.29 • Statewide average Friday: $2.94, down 9 cents this week. • Year ago: $2.62 • Lowest metro-area average: Flint, $2.88 • Highest metro-area average: Marquette, $3.06 • Lowest Mid-Michigan diesel price: Alma, Clare, Ithaca, $3.09 . • Highest Mid-Michigan diesel price: Midland, $3.29 • Statewide diesel average: $3.21, unchanged from last week. A year ago, diesel fuel sold for an average of $2.85 a gallon.

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