Former president Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he supports a ban on diesel exports, a measure some U.S. lawmakers are promoting to alleviate the sharp rise in energy costs. Diesel prices in the United States have surged to a record $6.53 per gallon, a level that is more than 75% higher than a year earlier.
Record diesel prices and geopolitical backdrop
Analysts attribute the price spike to disruptions caused by the wars in Iran and Ukraine, which have sharply curtailed diesel shipments from major producers such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The combination of reduced supply and heightened demand has driven diesel to unprecedented levels both in Europe and the United States.
Trump made the statement to reporters ahead of a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said, “I’ve said let’s not send out the diesel. We make a lot of diesel … I’ve called for it. I’ve called for it within my people.” The former president also indicated that the two leaders would discuss Ukrainian attacks on Russian refining facilities, noting that such strikes “are a serious hit on the Russians” and also affect diesel prices.
Political reactions and policy discussion
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking at the same meeting, said the administration is evaluating whether a full or partial export ban is feasible given overall refining capacity. He emphasized that any decision would need to consider the nation’s ability to maintain fuel supplies.
Republican Senate candidates in competitive midterm races have echoed Trump’s stance. Representative Ashley Hinson, a Republican running for Senate in Iowa, posted on X that “Iowans are being squeezed and shouldn’t have to foot the bill at the pump or the checkout line for the war in Iran.” She called for “every option at our disposal” to provide relief from high prices.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump urged Zelenskyy to pause strikes on Russian oil refineries, warning that further attacks could push prices higher. On social media, Trump wrote that Russia “unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry.”
Industry response and future outlook
The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers trade group issued a statement warning that an export ban could “backfire.” The group argued that limiting diesel exports would force domestic refiners to cut production, which would also reduce gasoline output, potentially worsening fuel shortages.
Despite industry concerns, Trump expressed optimism that a solution to the war in Ukraine would emerge. He told reporters, “I think it’s going to happen,” referring to a potential resolution that could stabilize energy markets.
The debate over a diesel export ban highlights the tension between immediate price relief for American consumers and the broader implications for refining operations and international trade. As the Treasury reviews feasibility and lawmakers weigh political pressure, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving the diesel market in a state of heightened scrutiny.
Helene Elliott is the Lead Science & Space Reporter at News Raise. She reports on aerospace missions, astrophysics discoveries, quantum research, and environmental technology.
