As farmers face record-high diesel costs, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Tommy Nagle is calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly and President Donald Trump to take steps to lower prices at the pump, including a temporary suspension of the state and federal highway diesel taxes.
“Unprecedented diesel prices are hitting farmers at harvest time, which is one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year,” Nagle said. “Diesel fuel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, including tractors, combines and irrigation equipment requires the use of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is also essential for transporting crops and livestock. Farmers and ranchers cannot postpone harvest or simply stop using diesel fuel when prices rise, so we ask that the Pennsylvania General Assembly and President Donald Trump consider temporarily suspending the Pennsylvania and federal highway diesel taxes.”
The national average on-highway diesel price has reached $6.38 per gallon, while the average price of on-highway diesel in Pennsylvania has surpassed the national average at $6.57 per gallon.
Pennsylvania’s state tax on undyed diesel is more than 74 cents per gallon while the federal highway diesel tax is currently more than 24 cents per gallon. At least 10 other states have taken similar actions to combat fuel prices.
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Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania.
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