October 28, 2026
ST. PAUL – State Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, is among House Republicans who are urging Gov. Tim Walz to provide immediate diesel fuel tax relief for Minnesota truckers, farmers, loggers and other diesel-dependent businesses.
Mekeland signed a letter asking Walz to follow the federal government’s lead by temporarily allowing red-dyed diesel to be used on Minnesota state highways without penalties, effectively providing relief from the state’s 32.6-cent-per-gallon diesel tax.
The letter points to North Dakota’s similar action and asks Walz to follow suit in Minnesota. It reads, in part: “Each gallon of diesel purchased in Minnesota is taxed at 32.6 cents by the state. Allowing ‘red-dyed’ fuel for on-highway use, even for this limited period of time would be helpful to truckers farmers, loggers and others who depend on diesel fuel to do their work.”
Mekeland said this action would provide immediate relief at a time diesel fuel has reached over $6 per gallon in Minnesota.
“Our farmers, truckers and small businesses are dealing with higher operating costs, which affects all of us,” Mekeland said. “When it costs more to move goods and provide services, consumers end up paying more, too. Allowing red-dyed diesel to be used on Minnesota highways is one way the governor can help lower those costs right away.
“Next session, we also need to repeal the automatic gas tax increases passed in 2023. Government should be helping Minnesota businesses stay competitive and giving families room in their budgets instead of putting tax increases on auto pilot.”
