Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency on October 12, 2026, temporarily allowing certain farm and logging vehicles to use dyed diesel fuel on public roads.
The executive order suspends specific provisions of the state’s Motor Fuel Tax Act that normally prohibit the on-road use of dyed diesel by vehicles with farm or wood harvester license plates. The measure is intended to provide relief during the peak harvest season as producers face record-high diesel prices and supply disruptions linked to the war involving Iran.
Whitmer cited the nation’s largest year-over-year rise in average gasoline prices in Michigan and the financial strain on farmers and loggers, who already maintain supplies of dyed diesel for off-road equipment. The order takes effect immediately and will end no later than December 31, 2026, or earlier if the governor determines the emergency has ended.
National diesel prices have risen sharply, reaching around $6.30 per gallon on average, with Michigan figures near $6.50.
Russia is one of the world’s top diesel producers and exporters. The ongoing war with Ukraine has been a major factor in the current diesel shortage and high prices for several reasons:
- Ukrainian drone and missile strikes have repeatedly damaged Russian oil refineries, cutting diesel production capacity (some estimates put the reduction at around 20-30% at times).
- Russia itself imposed temporary export restrictions on diesel earlier to protect domestic supply.
- Pre-war, Russia regularly exported well over 3 million metric tons of diesel per month. Those volumes dropped sharply due to the refinery attacks and restrictions.
This has tightened global diesel supplies at the same time as disruptions from the Iran conflict (especially through the Strait of Hormuz). Both conflicts are contributing to the elevated prices that led Michigan (and other places) to declare energy emergencies and ease rules for farmers.
Recent reporting also notes Russia is now restarting/increasing diesel exports under a deal with the Trump administration in an effort to ease the market pressure.
The waiver applies only to eligible farm and wood harvester vehicles and does not extend to commercial for-hire plated vehicles. Willful interference with the order is classified as a misdemeanor.
MORE HERE:
Epoch Times: https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/whitmer-declares-energy-emergency-eases-diesel-rules-for-farmers-6104179
Michigan.gov: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/10/12/whitmer-signs-executive-order-to-support-farmers-loggers-as-diesel-prices-collide-with-harvest
Michigan Farm News: https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/about/news-media/gov-whitmer-signs-waiver-granting-dyed-diesel-tax-relief-remainder-2026
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