Hottest U.S. Gas Prices In Years Leave Drivers Feeling Burned

CBS Minnesota

Updated on: May 7, 2026 / 6:55 AM CDT

The surging cost of filling up her car is taking a toll on Melissa Miles' finances — and her classroom attendance.

A full-time student in social work at Eastern Michigan University, she commutes daily in her 2015 Chevrolet Sonic between school and her home 80 miles away in Hillsdale, Michigan. But with gasoline prices in the state now averaging $4.80 a gallon, the 42-year-old told CBS News she has started skipping some classes to avoid the drive.

"Literally every day, I have to figure out, do I have the groceries for the week, or do I have the necessities for today? And then compare it to, can I miss this class?" said Miles, a single mom whose budget includes looking after her 5-year-old son.

Hillsdale, Michigan, resident Melissa Miles, seen here with her 5-year-old son, Kingston, said surging gas prices are making it harder for her to afford her commute to a local university/Courtesy of Melissa Miles/CBS News

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