The cost of diesel fuel continues to rise as the war in Iran rolls on, and the extra expense is creating a burden for Wisconsin farmers who are already struggling, May 11, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MARIBEL, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The cost of diesel fuel continues to rise as the war in Iran rolls on, and the extra expense is creating a burden for Wisconsin farmers who are already struggling.
High diesel prices cost farmers more to do their daily tasks. One Manitowoc County crop farmer said it’s hurting his bottom line.
“This is putting us behind the eight ball,” said Michael Slattery from Maribel. “You don’t like it, but there’s not much you can do about it.”
Slattery said it’s becoming more and more challenging to profitably operate his farm.
“I’m an average-size farmer, but that’s more than $2,000 out of my pocket that I will have to pay for diesel fuel than what I have paid, on average, in the previous three years,” Slattery said.
He expects to use about 1,800 gallons of fuel this year. That’s more than in the past because this year’s wet spring forced him to do extra tilling on his fields. He said the combination of more expensive fuel and a shrinking trading partner in China, as a result of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, is putting his farm in the red.
“You don’t know what the market’s going to be, but in all probability, if you look at your future market and I’m already running negative — net loss — this is just eating further into your equity,” Slattery said.
According to AAA, as of Monday, the average price for diesel fuel in Wisconsin is $5.76 per gallon. That’s $2.53 higher than one year ago.
The price at the pump may not drop anytime soon, as the Strait of Hormuz has been closed for 10 weeks. However, Trump said Monday he wants to suspend the federal gas tax to help bring down costs. When asked how long he envisions the suspension lasting, he replied, “Until it’s appropriate. Yeah, until it’s appropriate. It’s a small percentage, but you know, it’s still money.”
Trump’s proposal requires approval from Congress. If passed, it would be the first time in history the federal gas tax has been suspended.
The gas tax on diesel adds about 24 cents per gallon to the total price. While that would be helpful for farmers like Slattery, he said he hopes to see a more permanent solution soon.
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