Key facts
- Trucking groups said President Donald Trump's executive order on diesel would do little to increase availability.
- The order directs the Treasury Department to defer federal excise tax payments on dyed diesel used on-road through year-end.
- The average price of diesel is $6.31 a gallon, $2.64 higher than last year.
Major US trucking organizations stated Tuesday that President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at easing diesel prices would not significantly increase fuel availability. The statements from groups representing both major trucking companies and independent truckers cast doubt on the president's claims that the move would save truckers hundreds of dollars and help bring down the cost of goods across the economy. The high cost of diesel, averaging $6.31 a gallon or about $2.64 higher than last year, is a concern for Republicans ahead of next month's elections. Trump signed the order during a campaign stop in Nebraska, where farmers and truckers have been particularly affected by record diesel prices. The order directs the Treasury Department to defer payment of the federal excise tax connected to on-road use of dyed diesel fuel without interest or penalties through the end of the year. The order received some praise from agriculture-state lawmakers and farm groups, though farmers largely already had access to dyed diesel.