Armstrong declares diesel emergency, takes action to provide relief from fuel costs for agricultural producers
BISMARCK, N.D. (SEPT. 29, 2026) – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today declared a state of emergency in North Dakota for conditions affecting the supply and availability of diesel fuel and took action to provide temporary relief for farmers by expanding the permitted uses of red-dyed diesel fuel to allow for on-highway use.
Under North Dakota law, the state charges an excise tax of 23 cents per gallon on regular diesel fuel but only 4 cents per gallon on red-dyed diesel, which is authorized to be used only for certain off-highway agricultural, industrial and railroad purposes.
An executive order issued by Armstrong today temporarily expands the use of dyed diesel fuel to licensed motor vehicles used in connection with ag operations. This allows farmers to use the cheaper diesel not only for field work in their tractors and harvesting equipment but also for on-highway uses such as hauling grain, livestock, feed, seed, fertilizer, equipment and other ag inputs and products, as well as for storing and processing ag products.
“Record high diesel prices are squeezing our ag producers, and this is a meaningful and timely step we can take to provide temporary relief and help our farmers and ranchers through the harvest season,” Armstrong said, noting he’s been working closely with state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring on the action.
“Farmers burn more diesel during harvest than at any other time of year, and saving 19 cents per gallon can make a meaningful difference when margins are razor thin. This translates into lower transportation costs to suppliers and processors, which hopefully will be passed on to the consumer,” Goehring said. “I remain committed to working with the governor and the ag community to identify ways to provide additional relief for producers during this time of high input costs and low commodity prices.”
The order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect through Nov. 30. It does not affect the federal government’s 24.4-cent-per-gallon excise tax on diesel fuel.
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