Mohamed Bughrara

As of June 29th, the national average price of gasoline is roughly $4.86, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). The average in Wisconsin is roughly $4.67, which is slightly less than the national average.

Emergency Order #170, which forbids price gouging of gasoline and diesel, was signed by Governor Tony Evers. 

States around the country have seen major price rises for gasoline and diesel, including in Wisconsin, as a result of rising oil demand, constrained global supply, and low refinery capacity.

The injunction forbids price gouging of gasoline and diesel until December 31, 2022 and declares that Wisconsin is experiencing an abnormal period of economic upheaval.

Visit datcp.wi.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 to submit a complaint to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The governor reiterated his request for the federal government to act to suspend the federal gas tax in addition to issuing the emergency order. 

Today, Governor Evers also wrote a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that it exclude six Wisconsin counties—Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, and Waukesha—from the federal mandate to use reformulated gas until the end of the year. Consumers in these counties might save more than 30 cents per gallon as a result of this exemption.

In order to use some of the state’s $3.8 billion surplus to provide Wisconsinites with immediate help and support to address rising costs, including giving every Wisconsin resident a $150 surplus refund, Gov. Evers earlier this year called a special session of the Wisconsin State Legislature for March 2022. 

Unfortunately, the Legislature gaveled out of the governor’s special session in March without adopting any action and then adjourned for the regular session.

To view Executive Order #170, click here.