Texas has declared a state of emergency over a growing diesel fuel shortage as global oil supplies tighten and fuel prices rise.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued the emergency declaration, warning that limited diesel supplies could threaten public health and safety while placing additional pressure on key industries.
The shortage is particularly affecting agriculture, ranching, trucking and construction. Higher diesel prices are increasing farming and ranching costs, raising transportation expenses and making it harder for businesses to maintain equipment or invest in new projects.
The emergency declaration also allows Texas authorities to temporarily relax certain regulations, including restrictions on dyed diesel.
Dyed diesel is diesel fuel that contains a special dye and is generally intended for off-road uses, such as agricultural machinery and construction equipment. It is typically subject to different fuel-tax rules than diesel intended for use in regular road vehicles.
The Texas emergency comes amid wider concerns about global diesel supplies. US President Donald Trump has also threatened restrictions on American diesel exports as fuel markets face additional pressure following disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Operations management professor Opher Baron said the US has increasingly used its position in the global energy market as part of its broader economic and geopolitical strategy.
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