Gov. JB Pritzker has issued an executive order aimed at providing Illinois farmers relief from sharply higher diesel fuel prices during harvest season.
The order directs the Illinois Department of Revenue and Illinois State Police to temporarily allow dyed diesel fuel to be used on state roads and highways for agricultural purposes. Dyed diesel is normally tax-exempt and restricted to off-road uses such as tractors and other farm equipment.
Under the order, the state will not impose penalties for qualifying agricultural use of dyed diesel on public roads through the end of 2026.
Pritzker also declared all 102 Illinois counties disaster areas for 30 days, allowing the state to deploy additional resources in response to higher diesel costs and fuel supply concerns.
According to AAA figures cited in the announcement, Illinois diesel prices are averaging approximately $6.66 per gallon, compared with $3.73 a gallon a year ago.
The governor said the temporary change is intended to reduce costs for farmers during harvest and help offset rapidly rising fuel expenses.
The order also allows the Illinois Department of Transportation to consider extending the relief into 2027 if high prices and fuel shortages continue. State agencies are also being encouraged to consider additional steps to address diesel availability and costs.