Proposal Would Help Ease Rising Fuel Costs for West Virginia Farmers, Loggers and Timber Haulers
State Treasurer Larry Pack is urging state leaders to temporarily suspend state diesel fuel taxes and authorize the use of dyed off-road diesel on public highways, providing much-needed relief to West Virginia farmers, loggers and timber haulers struggling with rising fuel costs. This would lower the tax on diesel by more than 20 cents per gallon. States such as Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Texas have passed similar measures.
“Diesel fuel prices in West Virginia have surged 77 percent over the past year, placing an enormous financial burden on the industries that keep our state moving,” Treasurer Pack said. “Our farmers, loggers and timber haulers are facing extraordinary challenges in operating costs, and we must act now to provide meaningful relief. These businesses are essential to West Virginia’s economy. We cannot afford to leave them behind.”
Treasurer Pack recently met with representatives of West Virginia's forestry industry who expressed concerns about escalating fuel costs and asked state leaders, including Governor Patrick Morrisey, to consider both measures. President Donald Trump issued a similar executive order on October 5, 2026, which would ease the limits on tax-free use of red-dyed diesel.
Under West Virginia’s current motor fuel tax structure, clear diesel is taxed at 35.7 cents per gallon, while dyed off-road diesel fuel is subject to a 15.2-cent-per-gallon variable tax. According to AAA, the average price of diesel in West Virginia reached $6.34 per gallon as of October 20, 2026, compared with $3.58 a year ago.
Industry representatives emphasized that allowing dyed off-road diesel on public highways would primarily benefit timber haulers, while temporary tax relief could provide broader assistance to loggers, including those who rely on contracted trucking services.
“Families, small business owners and contractors are already stretching every dollar to keep up with inflation,” Treasurer Pack said. “When fuel costs rise, those increases affect everything from transporting goods to producing materials our communities depend on. We need practical solutions that protect jobs, support our working families and help businesses stay afloat. Let’s get it done.”
Treasurer Pack issued a call for a “tax holiday” back on May 11, 2026. He renewed those efforts recently in an interview with WSAZ’s Charlie Roth.
Treasurer Pack is suggesting state lawmakers replace any potential revenue lost to the State Road Fund with available unappropriated general funds or other state reserves. This would provide relief to farmers, loggers and timber haulers without reducing funding for the state’s roads and highways.