TEXAS — Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for all Texas counties Monday, Sept. 28, citing a diesel fuel shortage and rising costs affecting transportation, agriculture, construction and other industries across the state.
Because the declaration applies statewide, Wharton County is included.
According to Abbott’s proclamation, the diesel shortage poses an imminent threat to public health and safety and qualifies as a disaster under the Texas Government Code. The governor said global refining output has fallen, overseas conflicts and shipping disruptions have reduced supply, and diesel inventories in the United States have dropped to historically low seasonal levels.
The proclamation also states that the average retail price of diesel in Texas had risen above $5.90 per gallon as of the previous week.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration said in its September Short-Term Energy Outlook that U.S. inventories of distillate fuel oil — which includes diesel — are expected to fall below 100 million barrels in September and remain below the five-year low through the end of 2026 and much of 2027. The agency said lower global production, strong exports and seasonal demand are contributing to tight supplies and higher diesel prices.
What the declaration changes
Abbott’s proclamation temporarily suspends or eases several state requirements intended to help move more fuel and agricultural products.
One provision allows expanded use of dyed diesel fuel by suspending certain state restrictions, including some notice requirements, sales restrictions and prohibitions on its use on public highways.
The order also temporarily eases certain permitting requirements for oversize and overweight vehicles carrying fuel, agricultural products or timber.
Under the proclamation, qualifying vehicles may carry loads with a gross weight of up to 95,000 pounds, although bridge weight limits and other transportation restrictions still apply.
Abbott also suspended certain state regulations involving low-emission diesel fuel where necessary to allow the use of other diesel fuels, subject to federal authorization.
That portion of the order has a direct connection to Wharton County.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality lists Wharton County among 110 Texas counties covered by the Texas Low Emission Diesel program, also known as TxLED. The rules normally apply to diesel fuel sold or supplied for use in motor vehicles and non-road equipment in those counties.
Agriculture could feel the impact
Abbott’s proclamation specifically points to agriculture and ranching as industries facing higher costs because of the diesel shortage.
The proclamation says rising diesel prices can increase the cost of producing crops, operating farm and ranch equipment and transporting goods. It also cites higher expenses for independent truckers and the construction industry.
Those issues are particularly relevant in Wharton County, where agriculture, trucking and construction are important parts of the local economy.
The EIA said diesel demand can increase during the fall because of harvest-season agricultural activity, while refinery maintenance can reduce production at the same time.
Abbott’s proclamation was filed Monday with the Texas Secretary of State and applies to all 254 Texas counties, including Wharton County.
Source documents: Governor’s Office, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and U.S. Energy Information Administration.
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