Michigan Governor Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices as West Michigan Drivers Face Nearly $4 Per Gallon

Gas Prices Hit Highest Levels in Nearly Three Years

Gas prices across Michigan have surged to their highest point since 2023, with the state average reaching $3.89 per gallon according to the governor's office. That represents a 30 percent increase from $2.99 per gallon before the conflict in Iran escalated.

West Michigan communities including Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland are feeling the impact most acutely. The Grand Rapids area averaged $3.67 per gallon last week, while Kalamazoo reached $3.65. Drivers in the region are now paying more than 80 cents per gallon than last year.

Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order 2026-4

In response to rising fuel costs, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2026-4 declaring an energy emergency across the state. The order suspends seasonal restrictions on fuel blends in eight southeastern counties, allowing the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline which is typically 10 to 20 cents cheaper per gallon.

The counties affected by the new fuel rules include Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee. These areas serve approximately five million Michiganders and account for nearly half of all drivers in the state.

"Right now, countless Michigan families are struggling with rising costs on the essentials, from groceries to gas," Governor Whitmer said. "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 executive order brings Michigan in line with a temporary waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The federal waiver allows states to produce, distribute, and sell alternative gasoline blends in response to global fuel supply disruptions.

War in Iran Disrupts Global Oil Markets

The spike in gas prices stems from the Iran war, which has significantly disrupted global oil markets by threatening key transportation routes. The conflict jeopardizes the Strait of Hormuz, formerly one of the biggest global shipping corridors for fuel that processed up to 21 million barrels of oil per day.

"The Iran war has disrupted global oil markets and shut down the Strait of Hormuz, formerly one of the biggest global shipping corridors for fuel that processed up to 21 million barrels of oil per day," according to the governor's office.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says the spike is tied to U.S. strikes on Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which sent oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time in years.

West Michigan Drivers Face Continued Pain

While the governor's executive order will bring modest short-term relief to some drivers, Michigan residents outside the affected counties will see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver.

However, De Haan is warning consumers that more pain at the pump could be coming. He predicts gas prices might rise another 20 to 50 cents per gallon this week and diesel could climb 35 to 75 cents.

For context, Grand Rapids averaged $3.04 per gallon on this same date last year. The current prices represent the highest levels since the summer of 2023.

State Officials Encourage Reporting of Pump Problems

Anyone who suspects problems at the pump or encounters issues with fuel quality is encouraged to report the matter. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835) for motorists reporting complaints.

More information on the Motor Fuel Quality Program is available through MDARD's Gasoline Information page.

Governor Says Additional Relief Needed

While the executive order provides temporary relief, Governor Whitmer says additional steps are needed to keep money in families pockets. She has called for the legislature to pass a budget that continues tax cuts for working families and retirees, delivers property tax relief for seniors, and provides a sales tax holiday on school supplies.

"This 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," Governor Whitmer said. "Let's keep working together to lower costs and provide relief."