High diesel prices are hurting farmers during the fall harvest, Agriculture Secretary Jonathan Shell says. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Republican Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell is asking Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear to temporarily suspend a prohibition on using untaxed diesel on public roads.
A spokesperson for the governor said his office is reviewing the letter.
Shell sent a Thursday letter to Beshear hoping to “draw your attention to the current emergency impacting farmers — the sky-high price of diesel affecting the 2026 fall harvest season.” He added that GOP governors in Texas, Nebraska and Louisiana have taken similar measures to allow red-dyed diesel on roads. The fuel type is commonly used on farmland and is tax-exempt.
“I urge you to take similar action and allow for the use of untaxed diesel fuel for the remainder of the fall harvest season for the limited purpose of harvesting and transporting agricultural products this year,” Shell wrote to Beshear.
Shell argued Beshear has the authority to declare an emergency in Kentucky over gas prices under a January 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump regarding energy, but would need approval from Attorney General Russell Coleman, another Republican.
“Transportation costs are one of many factors that goes into the price of food. Increased transportation costs will result in increased costs of food,” Shell said. “By providing some relief to the cost of transporting agricultural commodities to market, farmers and citizens are both served with lower prices and higher margins.”
Coleman said on X that he agreed with Shell “and his work to cut costs for our farmers and the Kentucky families who rely on them” before adding that Beshear should sign the order.
Scottie Ellis, a spokesperson for Beshear, told the Lantern that Trump’s “war of choice and unlawful tariffs have caused prices to skyrocket for hard working Americans – including here in Kentucky” and added that Beshear has already taken some steps to help Kentuckians facing higher gas prices.
“From signing an executive order to lower gas and diesel prices to suspending the gas tax increase and urging Congress to freeze the federal gas tax, the Governor has made it a priority to find relief for Kentuckians and put more money back in their pockets,” Ellis said. “The Governor’s office appreciates that Commissioner Shell now wants to help and is reviewing the letter.”
In June, nearly 40 local governments requested the state continue reducing a gas sales tax after Beshear had signed an executive order in May to lower and temporarily freeze the tax.
As of Thursday, the average price of diesel in Kentucky was $6.24 a gallon, below the national average of about $6.40 a gallon, according to AAA.
The price of diesel and gas have gone up in recent months because of global political conflicts, like Trump’s war in Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, where oil supplies are transported.
Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
