AG Commissioner Miller Calls Again for Fuel Tax Relief

May 5, 2026 – AUSTIN – As gasoline prices across the Lone Star State surge to heights not seen in years, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a sharp, renewed demand on Monday for Governor Greg Abbott to provide immediate financial relief by suspending the state’s motor fuel tax.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Texas has climbed to approximately $3.90, with motorists in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and El Paso reporting prices well above the $4.00 mark. For Miller, the spike has reached a breaking point for the state’s economic backbone.

“Enough is Enough”

In a pointed statement released May 4, Miller emphasized that the rising costs are not just a nuisance for commuters, but a threat to the state’s agricultural stability.

“Texas families are getting hammered at the pump,” Miller said. “Record-high gas prices are crushing working Texans, farmers, and ranchers with every school drop-off, every tractor filled, and every grocery run.”

The Commissioner argued that suspending the state’s 20-cent-per-gallon tax is a “straightforward move” that would provide an instantaneous buffer against inflation. Texas currently collects significant revenue from this tax, which is primarily earmarked for the State Highway Fund and public education.

Texas “Lagging” Behind Other States

Miller’s call to action included a jab at the state’s current legislative pace. He pointed to Georgia, Indiana, and Utah—states that have already implemented various forms of fuel tax holidays or suspensions to combat global energy volatility.

“As America’s energy powerhouse, Texas should be leading, not lagging,” Miller stated. “A growing list of states is moving to provide relief because they understand the pain at the pump.”

A Critical Season for Producers

The timing of the spike is particularly sensitive for the agricultural sector. As Texas producers enter critical planting and growing seasons, the overhead costs for fuel-intensive machinery threaten to drive up food prices even further.

While Governor Abbott has previously focused on long-term energy independence and criticizing federal energy policies, Miller insists that domestic relief cannot wait. “Texans don’t need excuses. They need relief,” Miller concluded. “Governor, the time to act is now.”