Lansing, April 2, 2026, 18:05 (EDT)
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday called a state of energy emergency and halted the planned May 1 move to stricter summer gasoline standards for eight southeastern counties, aiming to relieve some of the burden on motorists facing higher pump prices. Executive Order 2026-4, according to her office, allows stations to keep selling a cheaper, higher-vapor-pressure blend—typically 10 to 20 cents per gallon below the costlier summer fuel.
The clock’s ticking. On Thursday, AAA pegged Michigan’s average for regular gas at $3.886 a gallon—jumping from $2.989 just a month before. Starting May 1, the EPA’s national emergency waiver will kick in. Administrator Lee Zeldin expects the move will help keep prices “affordable” this summer, saying it expands both supply and choices for drivers. AAA Fuel Prices
The order revolves around Reid vapor pressure, or RVP—a gauge for gasoline’s volatility. In Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Lenawee counties, Michigan usually enforces a summer cap of 7.0 psi to curb ozone. That state limit is now on hold, aligning temporarily with federal relief measures.
This hits hardest in Detroit and neighboring counties, where the stricter summer rule is enforced. According to Whitmer’s office, about 5 million people live across those eight counties. Drivers in the rest of Michigan? They’re already able to purchase the less expensive blend, no waiver needed.
Whitmer called the step necessary, though limited. “I can’t end a war overseas,” she said, nor can she change federal policy. Her goal: to offer Michigan drivers some relief at the pump, as families cope with rising costs on fuel and groceries. WDIV
The fuel situation keeps deteriorating. U.S. gasoline just broke above $4 a gallon—something we haven’t seen since 2022. Crude has soared over 10% this week after President Donald Trump’s latest comments on Iran, according to Reuters. Patrick De Haan at GasBuddy warned the national average could land between $4.25 and $4.45 as soon as next week. If the Strait of Hormuz stays shut, that number could blow past $5 in a month.
De Haan told AP the pain won’t just be at the pump. Higher diesel and gasoline prices, he said, translate to “rising grocery prices” and “a rise in U.S. inflation.” National average for diesel landed at $5.45 a gallon. AP News
There’s a catch here. Whitmer’s order kicked in right away but expires by July 1 unless the legislature decides to push the emergency further. Wholesale gasoline prices around the Great Lakes had already jumped 17 cents a gallon by midmorning Thursday, according to Reuters and Gulf Oil adviser Tom Kloza. Michigan’s waiver might soften the blow, but if global supply keeps tightening, that relief could be limited.
