Indiana declares energy emergency, citing Black Sea supply disruptions

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has declared a state energy emergency, citing disruptions to global oil supply routes, including in the Black Sea, as well as supply issues in Canada, according to an executive order published on the social media platform X.

“This new energy emergency is caused by new disruptions to global oil shipping lanes in recent weeks, in the Black Sea/Kerch Strait, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict has escalated into maritime drone battles,” the order states.

The declaration also points to reduced oil supplies from Canada’s Alberta province due to wildfires. “These disruptions have created new pressure on fuel prices that are driving the prices of gas for Hoosiers to unnatural levels outside the norm of standard economic conditions,” the order adds.

The emergency measures will take effect on Aug. 7 and extend a freeze on gasoline taxes across all 92 counties in Indiana through September 5.

By Tamilla Hasanova