AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation Monday over a diesel shortage, allowing agricultural and commercial operators to use dyed diesel on Texas roads and temporarily easing weight and emissions restrictions to reduce fuel costs.
The proclamation allows farmers and truckers to use dyed diesel, which normally remains restricted to off-road equipment such as farm and construction machinery. The fuel carries red coloring and does not include the state’s 20-cent-per-gallon fuel tax.
The order also lifts weight restrictions for agricultural, timber and fuel loads and suspends Texas Low Emission Diesel requirements to the extent allowed under federal Environmental Protection Agency rules.
“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” Abbott said in a statement. He said record fuel prices threaten farmers and truckers and increase costs for Texas families.
The move follows a sharp increase in diesel prices. AAA reported an average national diesel price of $6.53 per gallon last week, compared with $3.69 a gallon during the same period last year.
The price increase comes as disruptions in Middle Eastern oil and gas exports continue after damage to energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran.
The proclamation does not suspend or reduce the state fuel tax. Instead, the governor’s office said the measures aim to increase available diesel supplies and lower operating costs for agriculture and freight industries.
Abbott’s action comes as Texas officials focus on rising affordability concerns ahead of the November election. Abbott, a Republican seeking reelection, will face Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, who has called for a suspension of the state gas tax.
