This could explain why our gas prices here are so high

This could be at least part of the reason. The other is taxes on fuel here in Michigan.

Supply cuts by OPEC and partners led by Russia, plus involuntary curbs in Venezuela and Iran, have helped drive a 32 percent rally in crude prices this year, prompting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for the group to ease its market-supporting efforts.In a monthly report, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said Venezuela told the group that it pumped 960,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, a drop of almost 500,000 bpd from February.The figures could add to a debate within the so-called OPEC+ group of producers on whether to maintain oil supply cuts beyond June. A Russian official indicated this week Moscow wanted to pump more, although OPEC has been saying the curbs must remain. Source: Venezuela reports collapse in oil supply, tightening global market: OPEC – Reuters

OPEC is an organization made up of oil producing Countries, some of whom are not fans of the USA. So, there’s that too.