Texas has issued a statewide disaster proclamation over diesel shortages and record-high fuel prices. The order allows dyed diesel, normally restricted to off-road agricultural and construction equipment, to be used on public roads and lifts certain weight restrictions for agricultural, timber, and fuel loads. It also temporarily suspends some Texas Low Emission Diesel requirements where federal rules allow. Diesel prices reached a record national average of $6.53 per gallon last week, compared with $3.69 a year ago, as disruptions tied to the war with Iran continue to strain global oil supplies.
Why This Matters:
Declaring a statewide disaster over diesel shortages shows how serious the pressure on fuel supplies has become. Diesel keeps farms, freight trucks, construction equipment, and much of the food supply chain moving, so shortages and record prices can quickly spread into higher transportation, production, and grocery costs. Texas is now changing fuel and hauling rules to keep agriculture and freight operating, a sign of how far the disruption has already reached. Keeping emergency food storage at home can help families stay ahead of rising prices and supply disruptions when fuel shortages make everyday goods more expensive or harder to move.
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Source: TPR / Houston Public Media
By: Hafsa Mustafa
