Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is renewing his call for Gov. Greg Abbott to temporarily suspend the state’s 20-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and undyed diesel, arguing that high fuel costs are putting additional pressure on farmers, ranchers, truckers and Texas families.
“We don’t control the price of oil, but we control the taxes we put on it,” Miller said. “Governor Abbott has the tools to act. There’s no excuse for sitting around and watching our farmers, ranchers, truckers, and families bleed money at the pump. Texas producers and Texas families can’t wait any longer.”
Miller said the cost of diesel is particularly important to the agriculture industry because fuel is needed throughout the process of producing and transporting food.
From operating farm equipment to transporting agricultural products to grocery stores, diesel plays a major role in the state’s food supply chain. Miller argued that increases in diesel prices eventually affect consumers because higher transportation and production costs can be passed through to businesses and shoppers.
“For Texas agriculture, diesel isn’t optional,” Miller said. “It fuels moving food from the farm to the grocery store and supplies every farm in the state.”
Miller described high fuel costs as an expense that reaches far beyond the gas station, saying they affect farmers, freight companies, businesses and families.
“High diesel prices are a tax on everything,” Miller said. “They raise the cost of growing food, hauling freight, running a business, and putting groceries on the table. Every penny matters, and Texas shouldn’t be piling another 20 cents on top of the pain.”
The commissioner is calling for the state fuel tax to be suspended temporarily while fuel prices remain elevated. He said doing so would provide immediate relief to consumers and businesses while demonstrating that state officials are willing to respond to rising costs.
Miller also pointed to Texas’ position as a major energy-producing state, arguing that the state should take a leading role in reducing the cost of fuel for consumers.
“If other states can step up when their people are getting crushed at the pump, Texas sure as hell can,” Miller said. “Texas is the energy capital of America. We ought to be leading the charge on fuel tax relief, not watching from the sidelines.”
Miller urged Abbott to work with members of the Texas Legislature to determine what action would be necessary to temporarily suspend the 20-cent-per-gallon tax.
The renewed call comes as fuel costs have become an increasing concern for industries that depend heavily on transportation. Agriculture is particularly sensitive to fuel prices because farmers and ranchers rely on diesel-powered equipment and vehicles throughout planting, harvesting and transportation operations.
Miller argued that reducing the state tax would give producers and consumers some relief without requiring the state to control the underlying price of crude oil.
“We don’t control the price of oil, but we control the taxes we put on it,” Miller said.
The commissioner also framed the proposal as consistent with Texas’ longstanding emphasis on lower taxes and limited government.
“Texas is supposed to be the land of low taxes and limited government,” Miller said. “Here’s our chance to prove it. Cut the tax. Give Texans some breathing room. And do it now.”
Miller’s proposal would temporarily eliminate the state’s 20-cent-per-gallon gasoline and undyed diesel tax rather than permanently changing Texas’ fuel-tax structure. His request places the decision with Abbott and state lawmakers as Texas officials consider how to respond to elevated fuel costs and their impact on consumers and businesses.
