Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order to Save Drivers Money at the Pump
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared an energy emergency in eight Michigan counties, temporarily easing fuel blend requirements to allow the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline that is typically 10 to 20 cents cheaper per gallon.
The move comes as global oil markets have been disrupted by the war involving Iran, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a shipping route that previously handled up to 21 million barrels of oil per day. As a result, average gas prices in Michigan have risen to $3.89 per gallon, up from $2.99, an increase of about 30% and the highest level since summer 2023.
Drivers in Michigan are now paying 97 cents more per gallon than a month ago and 82 cents more than at the same time last year.
Executive Order 2026-4 Targets 8 Counties
The executive order suspends a May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Lenawee counties. The change is expected to expand access to less expensive fuel for about 5 million residents, which is nearly half the state's drivers.
The governor's office says drivers outside those counties may also see similar savings, as stations in other parts of the state are already allowed to sell less expensive fuel blends without a waiver.
"As governor, I can't end a war overseas or undo bad policies at the federal level that led to higher gas prices, but I will do what I can to try to give families a break," Governor Whitmer said in a statement released Thursday. "To provide relief, I'm issuing an executive order taking a few actions with one aim: saving drivers money at the pump."
She added that the order is another reason the legislature needs to pass a budget that continues tax cuts for working families and retirees, delivers property tax relief for seniors, and gives Michigan families a sales tax holiday on school supplies.
EPA Waiver Enables Broader Fuel Supply
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a temporary waiver of federal vapor pressure requirements, allowing for the production, distribution and sale of alternative gasoline blends. Whitmer's order aligns Michigan with the federal waiver, broadening fuel supply options and helping reduce costs for motorists.
Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARD's 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).
Gas Prices Hit Highest Since 2023
The Iran war has disrupted global oil markets and shut down the Strait of Hormuz, formerly one of the biggest global shipping corridors for fuel that processed up to 21 million barrels of oil per day. As a result, gas prices have risen in Michigan to $3.89 per gallon, up from $2.99 per gallon — a spike of approximately 30 percent and the highest since the summer of 2023.
Michigan 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 executive order brings the state in line with the EPA waiver, enabling access to a broader pool of gasoline and saving motorists money.
Related coverage:
- Governor Whitmer also issued Executive Directive 2026-2 assessing the ongoing impact of tariffs on Michigan's economy
- The state is seeking to help businesses access tariff refunds
Sources:
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Office, "Whitmer Issues Executive Order Declaring Energy Emergency to Save Michigan Motorists Money at the Pump," April 2, 2026, https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/04/02/whitmer-issues-executive-order-declaring-energy-emergency-to-save-motorists-money-at-the-pump
- WILX, "Whitmer declares energy emergency in 8 Michigan counties to help lower gas prices," April 2, 2026, https://www.wilx.com/2026/04/02/whitmer-declares-energy-emergency-lower-gas-prices/
- FOX 2 Detroit, "Whitmer declares energy emergency in Michigan amid rising gas prices," April 2, 2026, https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/whitmer-declares-energy-emergency-michigan-amid-rising-gas-prices