Michigan Governor Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices Amid Iran War and Tariff Crisis

Executive Order Brings Relief to Michigan Motorists Struggling With 30 Percent Price Spike

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2026-4 on April 2, 2026, declaring an energy emergency to help Michigan families cope with skyrocketing gas prices driven by the Iran war and federal tariffs. The order suspends May 1 fuel blend restrictions in eight counties, allowing access to cheaper gasoline that could save drivers 10 to 20 cents per gallon.

Michigan motorists are currently paying an average of $3.89 per gallon, a roughly 30 percent increase from $2.99 a month ago. Drivers are paying 97 cents more per gallon than last month and 82 cents more than this time last year.

What the Executive Order Does

Executive Order 2026-4 suspends the May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in the following eight counties:

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

These eight counties are home to approximately five million Michiganders, representing nearly half of all drivers in the state. Areas outside these counties are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver, meaning similar savings are expected statewide.

The order brings Michigan in line with a temporary waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which suspended federal vapor pressure requirements to allow the production, distribution, and sale of a broader range of gasoline blends.

Why Gas Prices Are Spiking

The Iran war has thrown global oil markets into severe turmoil. The conflict has shut down the Strait of Hormuz, once one of the world's busiest fuel shipping corridors that handled up to 21 million barrels of oil per day.

This disruption has rippled through Michigan, driving gas prices to their highest level since the summer of 2023. According to the governor's office, Michigan drivers are paying 97 cents more per gallon than they were a month ago and 82 cents more than this time last year.

Governor's Statement

"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 emphasized that this action is temporary relief while she continues to advocate for long-term solutions, including tax cuts for working families, property tax relief for seniors, and a sales tax holiday on school supplies.

Consumer Protection

Anyone who suspects problems at the gas pump is encouraged to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835) to report complaints. For more information on MDARD's Motor Fuel Quality Program, visit the MDARD website.

Impact on West Michigan

For West Michigan residents who frequently travel the I-94 corridor between Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon, the order means continued access to competitive fuel pricing. The region does not fall under the eight-county restriction zone, meaning West Michigan drivers have already been able to purchase the cheaper fuel blends without waiting for the state waiver.

However, for Michiganders traveling to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other areas within the restricted counties, the executive order provides much-needed relief starting now rather than waiting until May 1.

Related Actions

Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer also issued Executive Directive 2026-2 addressing the ongoing economic impact of tariffs on Michigan businesses. The administration has committed to helping Michigan companies seek refunds on Supreme Court-struck-down tariffs, though the process remains complex and time-consuming.

The energy emergency declaration represents another tool in the governor's efforts to mitigate the economic strain facing Michigan families during this period of global uncertainty and elevated costs.