Michigan Governor Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices as Iran War Drives Costs Higher

Eight counties in Michigan will see cheaper gasoline starting May 1 as Governor Gretchen Whitmer issues an emergency order easing fuel blend restrictions.

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared an energy emergency in Michigan, signing an executive order designed to save motorists money at the gas pump as global fuel costs surge amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Executive Order 2026-4, announced on April 2, temporarily suspends a fuel blend requirement in eight major counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee. The order permits the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline, which typically costs 10 to 20 cents less per gallon.

"These eight counties represent approximately five million Michiganders, which will translate into savings for nearly half of all drivers in the state," Whitmer's office said.

Drivers outside those counties will also see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver.

Gas Prices Hit Highest Level Since Summer 2023

Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February, fuel prices in Michigan have spiked nearly 30 percent. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Michigan on April 2 was $3.88 per gallon, according to AAA, lower than the national average but still nearly a dollar more expensive than fuel prices a month ago.

"That's an increase of about 30 percent and the highest since the summer of 2023," the governor's office reported. "Michigan drivers are paying 97 cents per gallon more than this time last month and 82 cents more than this time last year."

The Iran war has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that previously handled up to 21 million barrels of oil per day. The closure of this critical waterway has contributed to the global spike in energy prices.

Clean Air Standards Remain Intact

Gas vapor pressure requirements are designed to reduce emissions that enter the air and threaten the ozone layer when gasoline evaporates, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Typically, fuel blends sold in summer have more stringent vapor pressure requirements than those sold in winter. Cheaper blends like E15 are normally restricted in summer months due to smog concerns.

"This is a temporary and targeted step. It does not reflect a change in Michigan's commitment to clean air or fuel standards. It is a short-term measure to address rising fuel costs and supply constraints caused by the Iran war," the executive order states.

The EPA has issued a similar waiver easing fuel pressure requirements at the federal level from May 1 to mid-May. Executive Order 2026-4 brings the state in line with the EPA waiver, enabling access to a broader pool of gasoline and saving motorists money.

The Order Runs Through July 1

The executive order will take effect on May 1 and runs through July 1, unless the state Legislature votes to extend the 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," Whitmer said in a statement.

"To provide relief, I'm issuing an executive order taking a few actions with one aim: saving drivers money at the pump."

Statewide Impact

While the order specifically targets eight counties, the governor's office noted that drivers throughout Michigan should see relief. Other Michigan counties outside the waiver are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends during the summer months without seeking additional waivers.

Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints at 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).

Republican Response

A group of Michigan House Republicans sent Governor Whitmer a letter on April 1 urging action to ease fuel blend requirements amid higher gas prices. The Republican lawmakers had been seeking similar relief as Michigan drivers faced some of the highest fuel costs in the state.

The executive order represents one of Whitmer's most significant actions in response to the global energy crisis. The declaration of an energy emergency and the subsequent executive order demonstrate the governor's willingness to take aggressive measures to protect Michigan families from rising costs.

Looking Ahead

The order expires on July 1, at which point Michigan will need to reassess whether fuel blend restrictions should remain in place or be further relaxed. State officials are monitoring the situation closely as global oil markets remain volatile amid ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf.

For now, Michigan drivers in the eight affected counties can expect to see savings at the pump starting May 1, with the hope that the measure will provide meaningful relief to families struggling with the high cost of essential transportation expenses.

Sources:

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Office Press Release, April 2, 2026
• Detroit Free Press, April 2, 2026
• Washington Examiner, April 2, 2026
• WTOL, April 2, 2026