President Donald Trump signed an executive order to lower record-high fuel costs to provide relief for truckers and farmers nationwide.
“For many years, farm vehicles, construction equipment, and other off-road vehicles have used what is known as ‘red dye’ diesel… which is exactly the same as normal diesel, but is sold tax-free for off-road vehicles and big trucks,” President Trump said during a midterm rally in Nebraska.
The Order Defers Federal Diesel Tax; Allows Off-Road Diesel Use Till 2026
The directive allows drivers access to off-road, red-dyed diesel on highways by waiving the fuel’s off-road requirement.
The order also defers the federal excise tax on diesel, ensuring the off-road fuel remains tax-free through the end of 2026.
The federal diesel tax currently sits at 24.4 cents per gallon, which amounts to $60 for every 250-gallon fill.
According to the White House, with cooperation between states and the federal government, truckers and farmers can save up to $100 per fill.
Trump Blames Russia-Ukraine & Democrats For Fuel Costs
President Trump’s effort responds to rising fuel costs amid international conflicts and decreases in global oil refining.
Prior to signing the executive order, President Trump called out Democrat-led states in the U.S. and the Russia-Ukraine war for affecting the price of fuel nationwide.
“"Refineries," where Russia's are being blown up by Ukraine, and where ours are being closed up, in Blue States, like California, by the Dumocrats,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Florida Congressmembers' Similar Efforts
Florida Reps. Greg Steube (R) and Anna Paulina Luna (R) also previously sought to address rising fuel costs, introducing bills similar to the president’s effort.
Congressman Steube introduced the American Affordability Act in late September 2026. The bill sought lower diesel prices by repealing the federal tax and expanding U.S. refining capacity.
In a previous interview with The Floridian, Congresswoman Luna revealed that she filed a bill similar to Rep. Andy Harris’s (R-Md.) “Cut the Fuel Tax” Act. The bill aimed to suspend the federal gas tax until the end of 2026.
As of Oct. 6, 2026, the average price of diesel in Florida sits at $5.91 per gallon; $6.31 nationally.
