Rep. Baird: Governor's suspension of fuel restrictions on diesel helps Hoosier farmers
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 1, 2026) – State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) is commending Gov. Mike Braun's announcement this week suspending special fuel restrictions for off-road diesel after he urged the governor to examine suspending dyed diesel restrictions for Hoosier farmers hauling crops during harvest season.
In letters sent to the governor and President Donald Trump, Baird emphasized that Indiana is seeing its highest ever recorded price for diesel fuel at almost $7 a gallon, with some areas of the state topping the $7 mark. Farmers are disproportionately impacted by these rising costs with standard agricultural operations during the harvest process using thousands of gallons of diesel.
"Indiana's farmers are a cornerstone of our economy, feeding the state and nation in the process," Baird said. "After hearing from a local farmer about the impact of these prices on their hauling operations, I asked the governor to explore available options to help lower those costs. Expanding the allowable use of dyed diesel is a practical step that can provide savings at a critical time when farmers need it most."
The governor suspended Indiana's gas usage tax starting in April to address rising costs and reduce the strain on millions of Hoosiers, expanding the relief in May to include the gas excise tax. Those efforts led to Indiana having the lowest gas prices in the nation. Diesel prices, however, have remained high which is placing a significant burden on farmers during harvest season.
To mitigate the pressures put on farmers, Baird called for Gov. Braun to examine and allow farmers to use off-road diesel fuel instead of highway diesel fuel in semi-trucks for 45 days, until harvest is completed. The governor's recent declaration provides diesel tax relief for farmers and continues the suspension of gas use and excise taxes for all Hoosiers until Nov. 4, 2026.
Baird continues to call for federal action and warns Hoosier farmers along the border of Indiana to avoid hauling crops across state lines in vehicles using dyed diesel. While Indiana farmers can legally use dyed diesel for hauling on roads inside state lines, crossing into neighboring states exposes haulers to federal penalties.
Baird encourages constituents with any concerns regarding the diesel tax to contact his office at in.gov/h44 or call 317-232-9627.
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State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
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