SHERMAN, Miss. (WTVA) – Sen. Tyler McCaughn is asking Gov. Tate Reeves to consider temporary relief for Mississippi drivers as fuel prices remain elevated.

In a letter dated Oct. 1, McCaughn asked Reeves to consider temporarily suspending or reducing Mississippi’s motor-fuel tax. He also proposed possible tax relief for qualified farmers and loggers who rely heavily on diesel fuel.

AAA reports the average price of diesel in Mississippi is about $5.96 a gallon, compared with about $3.29 a gallon one year ago.

Truck driver George Thompson told WTVA the higher cost of diesel is cutting into the money he needs to support his household.

McCaughn acknowledged that motor-fuel taxes help fund Mississippi roads and bridges and said any temporary relief would need to account for those transportation commitments.