Abbott declares statewide disaster to ease diesel costs amid Iran war fallout
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a 30-day statewide disaster on Monday to address record-high diesel prices and fuel shortages. The order suspends restrictions on using untaxed 'dyed' diesel on public roads, increases weight limits for freight, and waives low-emission rules. These measures aim to boost supply and lower costs for agriculture and shipping, which are critical to the state economy. The crisis stems from a seven-month-old U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran that has disrupted Middle East oil exports. While Abbott’s office argues it cannot waive the state fuel tax, Democrats are demanding a tax suspension and blaming federal foreign policy for the price surge ahead of the November 3 midterms.