News Photo by Michael Gonzalez Gas prices are shown Friday at Marathon on the corner of M-32 and Bagley Street in Alpena.

ALPENA — As gas prices continue to soar nationwide, the price of a gallon of gas in Northeast Michigan is about 4 cents higher than the state average, according to data from AAA.

Gas prices in Alpena rose to a record high $4.99 per gallon earlier this week. Compared to the national average of $4.76 per gallon, Northeast Michigan is about 23 cents higher.

According to AAA, the average price per gallon on Friday afternoon was $4.99 in Alcona and Presque counties, $4.97 in Alpena County, $4.95 in Montmorency County and $4.94 in Oscoda County.

By Friday evening, the price of a gallon of gas had risen to $5.19 at at least one Alpena gas station.

After Memorial Day weekend, the AAA Auto Club Group predicted to see stability in prices or a remaining elevation. Every day since the holiday, the record high has been beaten.

“This year is different,” Howard Hughey, director of public affairs of the AAA Auto Club Group, said. “It’s bucking the trend. And so what it’s done is — it’s now sort of made us… dive deeper into the data to sort of get an idea of what forces are at play in making these prices increase in such a way.”

Locals who stopped for fuel at the Alpena Meijer gas station called the prices “outrageous” and “not pretty.”

Rachel Vercnocke, who fueled her vehicle at Meijer on Friday, said the prices don’t affect her too much, but still makes her consider the consumption of gas.

“Fortunately, my company reimburses any travel I need to do,” Vercnocke said. “Most of the gas that I pay for has been more for leisure. It’s a ton of money, though.”

To conserve fuel, Hughey suggested combining errands in one trip and lightening how much the car carries. He also suggests paying in cash at your local stations, as there may be an extra fee if using a debit or credit card.