STATEHOUSE (Oct. 5, 2026) – State Reps. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) and Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) welcomed Gov. Mike Braun's recent announcement suspending special fuel restrictions for off-road diesel after he and fellow lawmakers urged the governor to provide relief for Hoosier farmers during harvest season.
In a letter sent to the governor, Aylesworth, Culp and their colleagues 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.
“As chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, I’m extremely pleased to learn about the temporary relief to farmers for their over-the-road diesel-fueled vehicles," Aylesworth said. "As a retired farmer, I certainly understand the importance of reducing input costs in modern agricultural production. This is a great way to help farmers during the harvest season. Many thanks to Gov. Braun for his support of Hoosier farmers and the agricultural community.”
The governor suspended Indiana's gas usage tax starting in April to address rising costs and reduce the strain on millions of Hoosiers, expanding the relief in May to include the gas excise tax. Those efforts led to Indiana having the lowest gas prices in the nation. Diesel prices, however, have remained high which is placing a significant burden on farmers during harvest season.
"Our farmers contribute greatly to Indiana's economy and food supply," said Culp, a fourth-generation Hoosier farmer. "This extended relief will not only help farmers get through the stressful time of harvest but also reduce their ever-growing financial burden."
To mitigate the pressures put on farmers, more than 50 legislators called for Gov. Braun to allow farmers to use off-road diesel fuel instead of highway diesel fuel in semi-trucks until Jan. 1, 2027, after harvest is completed. The governor's recent declaration provides diesel tax relief for farmers and continues the suspension of gas use and excise taxes for all Hoosiers until Nov. 4, 2026.
Constituents with any concerns regarding the diesel tax are encouraged to contact Aylesworth at in.gov/h11 and Culp at in.gov/h16.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
