Downriver Today

The temporary shutdown of BP’s Whiting, Ind., oil refinery following a fire has prompted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to take measures to try to soften the blow on Michigan gas prices.

Whitmer is hoping to secure fuel supplies for motorists by suspending guidelines on motor vehicle hours-of-service rules, a recent press release from the governor's office said.

“We appreciate Governor Whitmer taking quick action to protect fuel supply for stations and drivers across the state,” Fay Beydoun, CEO of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, said in the release. “By lifting these restrictions and working to keep supply flowing to the state, we can insulate the market and economic pressures to keep prices down. The Chamber of Commerce will be working with our partners at stations around the region to deliver for our customers and communities.”

Whitmer said the refinery outage has forced her to take action to address Michigan’s fuel needs.

“The impacts of the outage at the Whiting facility will be widespread across our region, and I am taking proactive steps to help Michiganders get the fuel they need to drive their cars and help businesses keep their products moving,” she said in the release. “With today’s action, I am freeing up more gas supply and removing any impediments to gas delivery to cut down wait times at stations. I will keep working to get Michiganders the affordable gas they need without delay.”

The governor's executive order regarding the energy emergency will exempt fuel tankers from following weekly maximum driving limits, the release said. It also suspends specific laws in order to make the transition of fuel faster.

“The Michigan Public Service Commission continues to actively monitor the situation at the Whiting refinery,” Dan Scripps, Commission chair, said in the release. “The Commission will continue to use every tool at our disposal to insulate Michiganders from price spikes and preserve access to motor fuels for Michigan drivers and businesses for end of summer and Labor Day travels.”