Governor Mike Braun has announced temporary diesel fuel relief for Indiana farmers following a request from a group of state lawmakers led by State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie.
Pressel sent a letter to Braun this week asking the governor to allow farmers to use untaxed off-road diesel fuel for agricultural operations during the harvest season. The letter was signed by 51 other state lawmakers.
Other area lawmakers who signed the letter include State Representatives Kendell Culp, who represents portions of Starke and Pulaski counties; Representative Jake Teshka, whose district includes portions of La Porte and Marshall counties; and Representative Jack Jordan, whose districts include portions of Marshall and Pulaski counties. Pressel himself represents House District 20, which includes portions of Starke and La Porte counties.
Braun announced Wednesday this week that he is temporarily lifting restrictions on the use of dyed diesel fuel, allowing farmers and timber harvesters to use the untaxed fuel for farm-related activities. The change will remain in effect for 30 days before being reviewed for possible renewal, though the letter originally requested the relief through January 1st of 2027.
Diesel prices reached a record average of $6.92 per gallon in Indiana during September. Off-road diesel, sometimes called dyed or red diesel, is generally restricted to off-road equipment and is exempt from fuel taxes.
Following Braun’s announcement, Pressel issued a statement saying that supporting our producers is critical as they bring in this year’s harvest, and that he was thankful to the governor for responding to the lawmakers’ request.
The letter to Governor Braun reads as follows:
Dear Governor Braun,
Our offices have heard ongoing concerns from farmers across Indiana about diesel fuel costs and the impact those expenses are having on agricultural operations. Since May, the state’s
gas tax has been suspended to allow relief to millions of Hoosiers, but this relief was not extended to our farmers who play a key role in keeping Indiana running. As a result, our farmers are forced to bear the full price of diesel while also dealing with the pressures that prompted the state’s emergency action.
Currently, Indiana is seeing its highest ever recorded price for diesel fuel at almost seven dollars a gallon, with some areas of the state topping the seven-dollar mark. Diesel is a fundamental production input in keeping farm operations running. Thousands of gallons will be needed for farmers to operate this harvest season, which is one of the most fuel-intensive periods of the year.
The strain this diesel tax is putting on our farmers is concerning, and as State Representatives, it is our duty to advocate for the interest of our constituents. We therefore turn to
you and ask that you look at allowing farmers to use off road diesel fuel instead of highway diesel fuel in semi-trucks until January 1st, 2027, after harvest is completed.
If Indiana can provide temporary relief to motorists during a period of high fuel prices, we should ensure farmers, who play a vital role to our state, are not left behind.
