Michigan Energy Emergency: Whitmer Declares Order to Lower Gas Prices, But West Michigan Drivers Face Higher Costs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2026-4 on April 2, 2026, declaring an energy emergency to allow the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline, which typically costs 10 to 20 cents less per gallon. The executive order suspends fuel blend requirements in eight Southeast Michigan counties that house nearly half of the state's population.

While Southeast Michigan drivers may see modest savings at the pump, West Michigan communities remain unaffected by this order. Residents in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Holland, Battle Creek, and surrounding areas must continue paying the higher prices driven by global oil market disruptions.

Current gasoline prices in Michigan have increased 30 percent to $3.89 per gallon, which is up from $2.99 per gallon since the Iran war started. Current gasoline prices are 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 applies specifically to Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee counties. These eight counties account for approximately 5 million residents, which will translate into savings for nearly half of all drivers in the state.

Drivers outside of these eight counties will see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver. However, this automatic availability does not guarantee lower prices for West Michigan residents, who must rely on existing market conditions.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a temporary waiver of federal vapor pressure requirements to allow the production, distribution, and sale of different gasoline blends. Governor Whitmer's order brings Michigan in line with this federal waiver, enabling access to a broader pool of gasoline and saving motorists money in the covered counties.

The conflict and resulting global oil supply concerns have increased oil prices, which in turn led to increases in gasoline prices. The war involving Iran includes the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20 percent of the global oil supply.

Governor's Response

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

The governor added that this executive order is yet 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.

"To provide relief, I'm issuing an executive order taking a few actions with one aim: saving drivers money at the pump," Governor Whitmer said. "Let's keep working together to lower costs and provide relief."

West Michigan Impact

For West Michigan drivers, the situation presents a different reality. While they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver, this does not automatically translate to lower prices at the pump.

Residents in Kent County, Calhoun County, Allegan County, Van Buren County, Ingham County, Kalamazoo County, and Ottawa County face higher fuel costs that the executive order does not address.

Current gas prices in West Michigan remain at approximately $3.89 per gallon, with some areas reporting even higher prices. West Michigan residents are paying 97 cents per gallon more than a month ago and 82 cents per gallon more than this time last year.

Statewide Response

The executive order received support from 25 Republican lawmakers who sent a letter to Governor Whitmer on Wednesday requesting she allow the waiver for Michigan drivers. State Republicans have been vocal about the need for relief on gasoline prices amid the global oil crisis.

The order aligns Michigan with the EPA waiver, broadening fuel supply options and helping reduce costs for motorists in the covered counties. The change is expected to expand access to less expensive fuel for about 5 million residents.

Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARD's 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints at 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835). For additional information on MDARD's Motor Fuel Quality Program, residents can visit MDARD's Gasoline Information page.

Looking Ahead

As the war in Iran continues to disrupt global oil markets and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Michigan gas prices are expected to remain elevated in the near term. The executive order provides immediate relief for Southeast Michigan drivers, but West Michigan residents must wait for broader market conditions to improve.

Governor Whitmer's office says that the order addresses the immediate crisis while the legislature continues to work on comprehensive solutions, including potential state-level interventions to reduce fuel costs for all Michigan families.