Lansing, Michigan’s WLNS 6 News reports on boaters “feeling a pinch from the Iran war”

Written by Media Matters Staff

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This post is part of a series chronicling news coverage of rising prices in the United States. See more here.

From a June 8, 2026, video posted to the YouTube channel of WLNS 6 News

JORMA DURAN (ANCHOR): Motorists and airline passengers aren't the only travelers thinking about high fuel prices as summer vacations near. Recreational boaters are feeling a pinch from the Iran war too. Mike Householder has the details.

MIKE HOUSEHOLDER (ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTER): According to the state Department of Natural Resources, one is never more than 6 miles from a body of water in Michigan. and Great Lakes state residents take full advantage; fishing, swimming, and of course, boating.

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HOUSEHOLDER: One of the Amine brothers' duties is to fill up the boat's 52-gallon fuel tank. The question though is how much.

MALIK AMINE (BOATER): To fill it up all the way right now? I don't know if it even makes sense. 

HOUSEHOLDER: Like their counterparts on the road, U.S. boaters also are feeling pain at the pump due to the war in Iran. 

ELLEN BRADLEY (NATIONAL MARITIME MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION): Yes, there's no question that rising gas prices is on everyone's radar, and it's on boaters' radar.

HOUSEHOLDER: The National Marine Manufacturers Association says its surveys show the vast majority of boat owners still plan to be out on the water this year, but their trips may not look the same.

BRADLEY: It's going to force me in some respects to think about, you know what, I may not go as far. I may not go as fast. I may spend more time anchored and swimming. I may spend more time at the dock.

HOUSEHOLDER: For others like Kay Worsham, they're willing to take on the extra expense for the chance to hit the open water during Michigan's narrow warm weather window.

KAY WORSHAM (BOATER): It doesn't stop most people, particularly in Michigan in the summer. We don't have a lot of summer. We love our summer. We have to get out in it. We can stay home in the winter.