Bear Oil Blog

What Abbott’s Order Actually Changes

Can anyone buy dyed diesel in Texas now?

No.

There is a lot of noise about Governor Abbott waiving dyed-diesel restrictions. The phones are ringing. The search bar is busy. The important question is simpler than the headline.

On September 28, 2026, the Governor issued a statewide disaster proclamation. It expanded the use of dyed diesel on Texas roads by suspending state restrictions and the penalties that came with them. Farmers and truckers can put dyed diesel in a highway tank without the usual state fine — for now.

That is the change. Here is what did not change.

Texas heat does not just make a job unpleasant. It puts extraordinary stress on equipment, fluids, and the whole operation around them.

San Antonio’s August high averages 97°F. About four in ten of those days hit 100F. And that number is in the shade. Your number is a quarry floor, a paving train, a dirt spread, a sanitation route, a generator on a pour, or a truck sitting on blacktop that’s been taking sun since 7 a.m. Radiant heat off caliche and steel is an extra tax. And the engine creates its own weather under the hood.

Heat hits more than the people in the seats. It hits productivity, equipment reliability, maintenance cost, and whether the site is still on schedule Friday afternoon. 

As we close out 2025, we want to take a moment to celebrate you—our customers, partners, and community. This past year has been defined by your resilience, innovation, and the incredible progress you’ve driven in your own businesses and operations. We're grateful to be part of your story and to support your success every step of the way. It's been our honor to back you up with the fuel, lubricants, and quick deliveries that keep your operations humming without a hitch.

Spring has hit Texas like a freight train, and from what we’re seeing on the roads and job sites, you’re all feeling it too.

Here at Bear Oil we’ve been running hard to keep up with the early surge—extra loads rolling out before sunrise, new crews getting dialed in, and a few big projects kicking off that are keeping our dispatch team on their toes.

Freezing weather is moving into our area, and that’s when fuel problems tend to show up.

As temperatures drop, fleets often face:

• Hard Starts
• Clogged Fuel Filters
• Diesel Fuel Gelling
• Unexpected Downtime

As we roll into the season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to say how truly thankful we are for the people who keep Bear Oil moving forward—our dedicated team, our trusted partners, and the customers who fuel our purpose every single day.

At Bear Oil, we’re not just in the fuel business. We’re in the uptime business.

That's why we're laser-focused on keeping your operations humming, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. As temperatures dip—even here in South Texas—sudden cold snaps can turn routine jobs into major headaches. Equipment seizes, fuel lines clog, and what starts as a minor chill can cascade into full-scale shutdowns.

We are well into the first quarter of the year. By now you have analyzed your company operations and started a strategic plan for optimizing your labor, fuel, operational and administrative costs. You have set production and revenue goals for the year. Now let’s see how we can ensure you reach those goals.

Here are a few quick tips on combating the potential impacts cold weather has on your diesel fleet.

In Texas, we aren’t used to getting the type of winter temps that our more northern neighbors deal with every year. That said, February 2021 proved that we aren’t immune to extended periods of freezing weather. And we learned that temperatures like that can wreak havoc on just about everything they touch - including our diesel engines. You’ve already put time and money into your diesel engine, so taking the necessary steps to prepare for winter is an investment you should be willing to make. 

For the last twenty-five years, Hector Antopia has tirelessly worked as a Hazmat Driver for Bear Oil Company. The humble man began his career when he was hired on the spot to haul fuel for the company.  

Fuel is key for any business that operates fleets of equipment. From a waste company with hundreds of trucks to a trucking fleet with only a handful. Fuel means power, and it’s a necessity. Fuel often makes up over 10% of a company’s total budget. But few fleet managers or owners know the details behind their fleet’s usage. And with high prices and economic uncertainty, it’s important to find ways to save on cost.

Most people start out a new year with all kinds of goals and resolutions meant to improve on the past year’s performance. And sadly, most people abandon their good intentions pretty quickly once they realize the hard work involved.

But what if you could improve your productivity and efficiency in the new year without too much heavy lifting? Of course, there’s always room for improvement in any business - and in many cases it’s just learning to work smarter, not harder, that gives you the leg up over your competition.

When your business involves purchasing fuel and fuel products, there are proven methods to make it fairly simple and hassle free. Let’s look at some of those options.

When we buy a vehicle or invest in equipment, the goal is to reach maximum engine performance for the longest amount of time possible.  This can only be accomplished when the proper use of oils, greases, fuels and other fluids are maintained on a regular basis.  There is so much that is happening under the hood and it all starts with lubrication.

When it comes to operating your fleet vehicles, don’t leave your engine maintenance to chance.  Depend on Shell and Chevron lubricants to help you achieve maximum engine potential. We stand by our mission statement and that is “to exceed expectations while providing quality and safety in service and products.” Bear Oil Company’s lubricant product line is top-notch, with Shell and Chevron topping the list.  Just at the turn of the 19th century, Shell and Chevron got its start in the oil and gas industry and are still making daily discoveries in energy and petrochemicals. We are going to take a look at their rich history and explore how these products keep our customers moving.

Serving Central and South Texas for over 80 years

There are many variables that play a part in maximizing efficiency, longevity and productivity from your automobile and construction equipment. The correct lubricant happens to be at the top of that list. It accomplishes this by creating a film of protection between internal parts, reducing friction and wear. The end result is prolonged equipment life and reduced costs to your company.

You already deal with the grueling summer heat and the unforgiving roadways and job sites that are a way of life in South Texas. Let Bear Oil Company make your life easier by helping you match the right lubricant to your equipment.

Our fleet card partner, The Commercial Fueling Network (CFN) has been assessing remote transaction fees for each transaction conducted at locations other than those owned by Bear Oil Company.  The transaction fee supports fraud monitoring and protection, CFN network enhancements and your on-line access.  

In the past Bear Oil Company has absorbed these transaction fees, but now must pass along a portion of the fees, due to the increased costs associated with fraud protection and card controls.

Beginning May 1, 2020 we will pass along a 50 cent fee for each remote transaction. Those would include fuel card transactions that are processed anywhere other than Bear Oil in San Antonio and the Bear Oil site in Schertz, off FM 3009.

Should you have questions please contact your account manager.   

Thank you, we appreciate your business. 

We know that when you are looking to purchase something, price is going to be a factor. But for most people, price is only one part of a much bigger picture. Let’s look at an analogy. You are planning to buy some new tires. For most people, there could be a lot riding on those tires, including your own safety and others in the vehicle. Another thing to consider is how many miles you will get before they need replacing. You most likely will consider several factors besides price when deciding what type of tires you want and who to purchase them from.

When you make decisions for your business, you probably utilize the same amount of care and research. Looking at the cost is important. When you look at Return on Investment (ROI), however, there are many factors that enter into your consideration. At Bear Oil, we’re proud to say that as far as cost is concerned, we are extremely competitive. But, in addition to being competitive on cost, we offer much more that we think puts us into a superior category to be your “partner on the road.”

Fleet managers of large or small, commercial or private fleets, are tasked with finding the most efficient and cost-effective ways to fuel their company vehicles. This can quickly become a challenge without the right tools and processes in place. There is a lot to track, record and report when managing your fleet fueling operations.

It is imperative that fleet managers have the most effective tools at their disposal. Let us help you take control of your fleet fueling costs.

Bear Oil Company and the Fleetwide® card Put’s YOU back in the driver’s seat!

The next freeze is just around the corner, and with that comes many challenges. If you are a homeowner, you may find yourself wrapping pipes to keep them from freezing or adding a winterizing fertilizer to your lawn to protect it from freezing temperatures and to help ensure that your yard comes back lush and green in the Spring. 

Likewise, your fleet needs winterization. The harmful effects of freezing temperatures and harsher weather brought on during the winter months on your vehicle and equipment’s fuel systems can stop you dead in your tracks and halt productivity, so it is essential to optimize your fuel management and winterize your fleet with fuel additives.