Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issues executive order to save Michigan drivers money amid rising gas prices

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive order declaring an power emergency amid rising gas prices pushed by tariffs and the Iran warfare.

Executive Order 2026-4 will ease the necessities on gasoline blends, permitting for the sale of upper vapor strain gasoline, which is often 10 to 20 cents cheaper, in accordance to a launch from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s workplace.

“Right now, countless Michigan families are struggling with rising costs on the essentials, from groceries to gas,” Whitmer stated. “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. To provide relief, I’m issuing an executive order taking a few actions with one aim: saving drivers money at the pump. 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. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and provide relief.”

The Iranian war has thrown global oil markets into turmoil, shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, once one of the world’s busiest fuel shipping corridors, handling up to 21 million barrels of oil per day, according to the release.

The ripple effects hit Michigan motorists hard, with the average price at the pump having jumped to $3.89 per gallon, up from $2.99. This is a roughly 30% increase.

Drivers are paying 97 cents more per gallon than they were a month ago and 82 cents more than this time last year.

According to the release, Executive Order 2026-4, suspends a May 1 requirement that mandates lower vapor pressure gasoline in the following eight Michigan counties:

• Wayne

• Oakland

• Macomb

• Washtenaw

• Livingston

• Monroe

• St Clair

• Lenawee

The change opens access to less expensive fuel blends, putting more money back in drivers’ pockets. Those eight counties are home to about five million residents, nearly half of all drivers in the state.

Areas outside of these counties are already permitted to sell cheaper blends without a waiver, meaning similar savings are expected statewide.

The executive order follows action at the federal level.

The US Environmental Protection Agency issued a temporary waiver suspending federal vapor pressure requirements, clearing the way for the production, distribution, and sale of a wider range of gasoline blends.

Executive Order 2026-4 aligns Michigan with that federal waiver, expanding the pool of available gasoline and driving down costs for motorists across the state.

People are encouraged to reach out to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) 24-hour hotline at 1-800-MDA-Fuel to report gas pricing complaints.

For extra info, visit MDARD’s website.