Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issues executive order to save Michigan drivers money amid rising gas prices
ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4 • • business
Key Points:
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared an energy emergency in Michigan due to rising gas prices caused by tariffs and the Iran war, issuing Executive Order 2026-4 to ease fuel blend requirements and allow the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline, which is typically 10 to 20 cents cheaper per gallon.
- The order suspends a May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in eight Michigan counties, affecting nearly five million residents and nearly half of the state's drivers, thereby enabling access to less expensive fuel blends.
- Gas prices in Michigan have surged approximately 30%, with the average price rising from $2.99 to $3.89 per gallon, reflecting a 97-cent increase from last month and an 82-cent increase from last year.
- The executive order aligns Michigan with a recent federal EPA waiver that temporarily suspends vapor pressure requirements nationwide, expanding the availability of gasoline blends to reduce costs for motorists.
- Residents are encouraged to report gas pricing complaints to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-MDA-Fuel.
