Ag Commissioner Shell Calls for Temporary Dyed Diesel Relief During Kentucky Harvest Season
Commissioner urging Governor to suspend restrictions to help farmers
FRANKFORT, KY (Oct. 1, 2026) – Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell is calling for loosened restrictions on dyed diesel to help Kentucky farmers offset record fuel costs during the remainder of the fall harvest season.
“Record diesel prices are cutting deep into already-tight farm margins at the worst possible time. Farmers are in the middle of harvest and need relief now,” Commissioner Shell said. “This is a temporary, commonsense step that can make an immediate difference for Kentucky producers when we need it most.”
Dyed diesel and regular diesel are essentially the same fuel but are taxed differently. Dyed diesel fuel is a tax-exempt fuel typically used in tractors, combines, and other off-road agricultural equipment. State law prohibits its use on public roadways.
Commissioner Shell is urging the Governor, with consent of the Attorney General, to temporarily suspend those restrictions through the remainder of harvest season. The exemption would allow farm vehicles to use dyed diesel on public roads while harvesting and transporting agricultural products.