Michigan gasoline prices started the work week lower, with Branch and Hillsdale counties posting the state's cheapest regular unleaded at $3.88 per gallon. AAA-The Auto Club Group said the statewide average fell 21 cents over the past week to $4.14, easing pressure on motorists after earlier summer increases. The decline mirrors a broader pullback across the Midwest and has pushed average prices below $4 in 11 Michigan communities and counties. Even so, price gaps remain wide across the state, with Mackinac County at $4.41 per gallon and Ann Arbor at $4.26. The near-term outlook remains uncertain as global oil market volatility and diplomatic talks over Middle East shipping lanes could quickly affect retail fuel costs.