Michigan Declares Energy Emergency as Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order to Lower Gas Prices

Michigan drivers may soon see relief at the pump as Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order declaring a statewide energy emergency to allow the sale of cheaper gasoline blends across Michigan.

The order, signed on April 10, 2026, suspends the May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee Counties. By allowing stations to sell higher-vapor-pressure gasoline, the state brings Michigan in line with a temporary waiver issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The Economics Behind the Emergency

Gas prices in Michigan have risen from $2.99 to $3.89 per gallon since the start of the year, according to the Michigan Legislative Consultants blog. Drivers are paying 97 cents per gallon more than this time last month and 82 cents per gallon more than this time last year.

The surge comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. President Donald Trump recently threatened additional strikes in Iran, with analysts warning that attacks on Iranian infrastructure could raise crude oil prices further. Vanguard Investment Company noted in a March report that if oil prices rose to about $150 a barrel and remained there for the rest of the year, it could trigger a recession.

The national average for gasoline currently sits at $4.12 per gallon, with the national annual inflation rate reaching 3.3 percent in March, a two-year high driven largely by energy costs.

What the Order Does

Executive Order 2026-4 will allow Michigan stations to sell less expensive fuel blends without seeking special waivers. The order impacts approximately five million Michiganders across the eight affected counties.

Drivers outside those areas will see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver. The order remains in effect until July 1st.

According to the Michigan Legislative Consultants blog, the EPA has issued a temporary waiver of federal vapor pressure requirements to allow the production, distribution, and sale of different gasoline blends. This executive order brings the state in line with that waiver.

What Experts Say

The move comes after similar actions by governors across the country. In Georgia, the Republican governor suspended the states fuel excise tax for two months, cutting gas prices by more than 30 cents a gallon for gasoline and almost 40 cents for diesel. Other states including Utah and Florida may pursue similar policies.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, recently warned that gasoline prices are poised for another jolt, with the national average potentially reaching the $4.20 to $4.35 per gallon range in the days ahead.

The Broader Picture

Michigan is not the only state grappling with elevated gas prices. Diesel prices in California have surged past $8 per gallon in San Francisco, a new benchmark even for a state accustomed to elevated energy prices. In Florida, gas prices reached their highest Easter weekend levels in more than 20 years.

The situation has sparked public frustration. Stickers saying I did that and featuring photos of President Trump are appearing on gas pumps across the country. The national average for gasoline is now about twice what President Trump promised it would be if elected.

What This Means for Michigan Drivers

The executive order could save motorists between 10 and 20 cents per gallon, depending on local availability of the cheaper fuel blends. While that may seem modest compared to the price increases of recent months, it represents the state government taking direct action to address the crisis.

The order reflects a growing trend of state governments responding to federal inaction on economic issues. With inflation at a two-year high and consumer sentiment at historic lows, Michigan officials are trying to provide relief to struggling families facing back-to-back rate hikes at the pump.

Sources

• Michigan Legislative Consultants: Governor Signs Order Addressing Gas Prices https://mlcmi.com/governor-signs-order-addressing-gas-prices/
• Brownfield Ag News: Michigan declares energy emergency to allow statewide sales of E15 https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/michigan-declares-energy-emergency-to-allow-statewide-sales-of-e15/
• Family Handyman: EPA to Allow More Diluted Gas: Why, and How It Will Impact Your Car https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/epa-e15-gas-stations/
• Detroit Free Press: Michigan gas prices slip slightly, but new surge may be just ahead https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/04/06/gas-prices-michigan-rising-diesel-iran-war/89482278007/
• CNN Business: CPI report: US inflation tripled last month on record spike in gas prices https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/10/business/live-news/us-cpi-march-inflation-iran