Michigan Governor Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices in Eight Counties Amid Rising Costs

Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order 2026-4 as Gas Prices Soar to $3.89 Per Gallon

In a move aimed at providing relief to struggling Michiganders, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared an energy emergency in eight key counties across southeastern Michigan, temporarily suspending fuel blend restrictions that have kept gas prices higher than necessary.

Executive Order 2026-4 permits retailers to sell higher vapor pressure gasoline that typically costs 10 to 20 cents less per gallon, potentially saving millions of drivers money at the pump during a period of sharp price increases.

The Cost of the Iran War on Michigan Fuel Prices

Gas prices in Michigan have climbed to $3.89 per gallon, representing a 30 percent increase from $2.99 per gallon just a month earlier. This marks the highest average price since the summer of 2023.

Michigan drivers are now paying 97 cents per gallon more than they did this time last month and 82 cents per gallon more than this time last year.

Right now, countless Michigan families are struggling with rising costs on the essentials, from groceries to gas, said Whitmer. As governor, I cant 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. To provide relief, Im issuing an executive order taking a few actions with one aim: saving drivers money at the pump.

The price spike comes amid the Iran war, which has disrupted global oil markets and shut down the Strait of Hormuz, formerly one of the worlds biggest global shipping corridors for fuel that processed up to 21 million barrels of oil per day.

Eight Counties Hit by the Energy Emergency

The executive order suspends the May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in the following eight counties:

• Wayne
• Oakland
• Macomb
• Washtenaw
• Livingston
• Monroe
• St. Clair
• Lenawee

These eight counties account for approximately five million Michiganders, which translates to savings for nearly half of all drivers in the state.

Michigan drivers outside these eight counties will see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver.

Aligning With Federal EPA Waiver

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a temporary waiver of federal vapor pressure requirements to allow the production, distribution, and sale of different gasoline blends.

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.

Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARDs 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints at 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).

Legislative Push for Broader Relief

State Rep. Jerry Neyer, R-Shepherd, joined 24 other state House Republicans in sending a letter to Governor Whitmer urging the immediate sale of E15 fuel across Michigan. Neyer applauded the governors action, stating it provides needed relief to families dealing with rising prices.

Michigan families and businesses needed relief, and Im glad to see action taken to expand access to lower-cost fuel options, said Neyer. When people are dealing with rising prices, every bit of relief matters. This is exactly the kind of step that helps people keep more money in their pockets.

In the governors own words, this energy emergency declaration is just another reason why the legislature needs to pass a budget that:

• Continues tax cuts for working families and retirees
• Delivers property tax relief for seniors
• Gives Michigan families a sales tax holiday on school supplies

Upper Peninsula Not Included

It is worth noting that the Upper Peninsula counties were not included in the order, meaning residents in those areas will not see the fuel savings through this particular executive action.

MDARD Monitoring Fuel Quality

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to monitor fuel quality across the state. For additional information on MDARDs Motor Fuel Quality Program, residents can visit the MDARDs Gasoline Information page.

Sources:

• Michigan.gov Governor Whitmer Press Release: 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
• The Mining Journal: https://www.miningjournal.net/news/local/2026/04/executive-order-declares-energy-emergency-to-save-michigan-motorists-money-at-the-pump/
• The Morning Sun: https://www.themorningsun.com/2026/04/06/rep-neyer-applauds-gov-whitmers-executive-order-for-e-15-fuel/
• CBS Detroit: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/whitmer-energy-emergency-lower-gas-prices-michigan/