Whitmer Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Michigan Gas Prices as Iran War Drives Spike

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued Executive Order 2026-4, declaring an energy emergency to save drivers money at the gas pump amid skyrocketing prices driven by the war in Iran and federal tariffs.

The order temporarily suspends a fuel blend requirement in eight Southeast Michigan counties, allowing gas stations to sell higher vapor pressure gasoline which typically costs 10 to 20 cents less per gallon.

Right now, countless Michigan families are struggling with rising costs on the essentials, from groceries to gas. 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 Gretchen Whitmer

What the Emergency Order Does

The executive order impacts the following eight counties:

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

These eight counties account for approximately five million Michiganders, or nearly half of all drivers in the state. Residents living outside these areas will also see fuel savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver.

The Price Spike

As of April 2, Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.88 per gallon for regular unleaded, according to AAA. That represents a 30 percent spike from $2.98 per gallon at the start of the Iran conflict in late February.

Michigan drivers are currently paying:

• 97 cents per gallon more than this time last month
• 82 cents per gallon more than this time last year

The current national average is $4.01 per gallon.

What Caused the Spike

The war between the United States and Israel and Iran has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds biggest global shipping corridors for fuel that processed up to 21 million barrels of oil per day. The governor also blamed federal tariffs for the increased costs.

The 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 this EPA waiver, enabling access to a broader pool of gasoline and saving motorists money.

Air Quality Concerns

Under state law, gas blends across the state are supposed to begin reducing vapor pressure this month to comply with lower-vapor-pressure blends used during the summer. In Southeast Michigan, state law requires the eight impacted counties to switch over to a 7 pounds per square inch lower vapor pressure gasoline from June 1 through September 15.

The governor noted that this order does not reflect a change in Michigans 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.

Industry Perspective

Mark Griffin, president of the Michigan Petroleum Association, noted that the states unique fuel blend requirements for Southeast Michigan were put in place in 1993, when the region had more factories, more pollution-prone power plants, and fewer environmentally-friendly vehicles.

What were looking for is consistency. If we all had the same gas, everybody across the Midwest, it would be cheaper to provide that to everybody at the same amount.

— Mark Griffin, Michigan Petroleum Association

Consumer Complaints

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

State Lawmakers and Gas Tax

State lawmakers could suspend the states 52.4-cent per gallon gas tax, which would halt the flow of millions of dollars in tax revenue meant to fund road projects. During a similar gas price spike in April 2022, state lawmakers attempted to suspend the gas tax for six months, but Whitmer vetoed the measure, noting that it did not have enough support in the Legislature to take effect immediately.

The order suspends the fuel blend requirements in the eight counties until the circumstances giving rise to the energy emergency end or, at the latest, on July 1.