Trump backs banning diesel exports as fuel prices hit record highs

Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed the possibility of restricting or banning U.S. diesel exports. The president's statement comes as the national average price of diesel hit a record high of $6.53 per gallon on Tuesday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), primarily affecting logistics-dependent sectors.

Unlike gasoline, which is used primarily for cars and other personal vehicles, diesel is essential for freight transportation and activities such as agriculture and construction. Trucks, tractors, buses, and much of the heavy machinery run on this fuel.

In this context, the president was asked about diesel while answering questions alongside Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UN), which brings together heads of state in New York.

"I've said let's not send out the diesel. We make a lot of diesel, and it could have a little bit of an effect on regular automobile gasoline because when you do that, you know it's a sort of a flow, it's a balance. But no, I've called for it. I've called for it within my people," Trump replied.

The idea already has support from some Republicans in agricultural states, including Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who also chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. A few days ago, the Republican senator asked Trump to suspend diesel exports to ease the impact of high prices on farmers.

"Why doesn’t Pres Trump put an embargo on diesel exports like presidents in the 70s put embargoes on agriculture products because food prices were inflated. High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME," Grassley wrote on his X account.

Meanwhile, Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett introduced a bill to establish a temporary ban on diesel exports through January 2027. He also introduced another bill that would restrict exports when the national average reaches $5 per gallon and lift the restrictions when it drops to $4.50 for 30 consecutive days.

Even John Thune, the Republican majority leader in the Senate who represents South Dakota, expressed openness to the proposal. "We’ll be looking at any proposal that is a viable solution, but I do think if we have the supply in this country and we’re exporting it right now that might be one way of getting at it. If that would take pressure off of prices, you know, I’m open to exploring it," he said recently.