STATEHOUSE (Sept. 29, 2026) – State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) is calling on Gov. Mike Braun to allow Hoosier farmers to utilize off road diesel fuel, which is not taxed, in semi-trucks until the end of harvest season.
In a letter addressed to Gov. Braun, Pressel noted 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. Farmers are disproportionately impacted by these rising costs with standard agricultural operations during the harvest process using thousands of gallons of diesel.
"Agriculture, through exports and food production, is a longstanding pillar of our economy and it is detrimental if farmers cannot afford to harvest their crops," Pressel said. "The exception for farmers on diesel will alleviate the strain and stress of one of our top producing industries."
The continued suspension of the state's gas tax has reduced the strain on millions of Hoosiers, yet the diesel tax remains a burden to many essential services and industries across the state. To mitigate the pressures put on farmers, Pressel, along with 51 other legislators, is calling for Gov. Braun to allow farmers to use off road diesel fuel instead of highway diesel fuel in semi-trucks until January 1, 2027, after harvest is completed.
Pressel encourages constituents with any concerns regarding the diesel tax to contact his office at in.gov/h20 or call 317-232-9648.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
