Gas Prices

A report released this week claims that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has moved forward with the review and approval of development related to data centers, despite a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Our Samantha Larned spoke with the author of that report. Farmers dealing with high fuel costs have been promised help by the Trump administration in the form of new one-time payments through an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program. The latest federal forecast shows U.S. farmers are expected to pay nearly 30 percent more for fuel and oil this year compared to 2025.

Farmers are cutting less hay this year due to persistent drought, the soaring price of fuel and a new pest. That's driving up the cost for livestock producers, who often rely on hay to feed their animals during the winter.

Democratic Railroad Commission candidate Jon Rosenthal says Texas needs stronger oversight of natural gas facilities to prevent power disruptions during extreme winter weather. High diesel prices are affecting hay farmers – and the beef producers who buy from them. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports some of the usual customers are forgoing hay at the moment because they can’t afford to have it transported.

Groups representing farmers and solar installers are suing the USDA after significant rule changes to the Rural Energy for America Program. They say new eligibility requirements illegally cut solar projects from the program and that the USDA has left people on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars by applying those changes retroactively. Meanwhile, our Brad Burt reports on an executive order signed by President Trump on Monday, waiving the restrictions and allowing tax-free, red-dyed off-road diesel to be used on highways until the end of the year.

Dyed diesel — regular diesel with red pigment — is reserved for off road use only, usually by farm and construction equipment. Unlike regular diesel, it is untaxed. With the proclamation, the governor's office aims to alleviate skyrocketing prices at the gas pump. While it increases the supply of diesel, it does not affect the fuel tax, which is 20 cents per gallon.

More than 80% of families report the price of food is increasing faster than their income, according to a new poll from No Kid Hungry Texas. Meanwhile, diesel prices are reaching record highs in Texas, squeezing trucking companies and raising costs throughout the supply chain. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports this hits small trucking companies the hardest. The average price for a gallon of diesel in Lubbock was $6.03 yesterday, up more than a dollar from a month ago.

Inflation has surged to its highest level in more than three years since the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran, triggering a surge in gasoline prices.

Public transportation and electric vehicles aren’t always viable options for rural Americans looking to decrease their spending at the gas pump. West Texas has historically had some of the lowest gas prices in the state, but families are also feeling the pressure. With summer travel building demand, experts worry that serious relief will not be evident for quite some time.

Suspending the federal gas tax would require an act of Congress.

U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico is joining leadership across the aisle, proposing that the federal gas and diesel tax be suspended due to rising prices across the nation. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports this follows similar requests at the state level. A highly anticipated return to the South Plains by Country Music King George Strait is arriving this weekend. It has booked out hotels across the city and parking through Texas Tech University.