President Donald Trump is preparing a 90-day ban on U.S. diesel exports to combat soaring domestic fuel prices, which have reached a record $6.52 per gallon due to geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. The proposal has triggered sharp internal resistance. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warn that a ban could force refineries to cut production, driving gasoline and jet fuel prices even higher. While the White House officially denies the ban, advisers are actively studying its impact ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Deliberations on the proposed export ban
- ▪President Donald Trump's economic advisers, including National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, are analyzing the potential impact of a short-term diesel export ban
- ▪Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the Trump administration is evaluating voluntary export restrictions and a collaborative approach with refineries rather than an outright prohibition on diesel exports
- ▪The White House denied reports of a planned 90-day diesel export ban on September 23, 2026, calling the reports untrue
- ▪President Donald Trump is preparing a plan to implement a 90-day ban or restriction on United States diesel exports to lower domestic energy costs
Opposition to the proposed export ban
- ▪Republican lawmakers from oil-producing states have pushed back against the proposed 90-day diesel export ban
- ▪United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and major oil industry executives oppose a complete 90-day diesel export ban, warning it could reduce domestic refining and raise gasoline and jet fuel prices
Political pressure over high fuel costs
- ▪The Trump administration is facing intense political pressure to address voter frustration over high fuel costs with the 2026 midterm elections only six weeks away
- ▪Agriculture-state Republicans have advocated for a ban on diesel exports to address record-high fuel prices
Record diesel prices
- ▪Diesel prices in Europe have also surged to record highs amid the ongoing wars in Iran and Ukraine
- ▪United States diesel prices reached a record average of $6.52 per gallon as of September 23, 2026, up from $3.69 a year prior, due to Russia-Ukraine war, U.S.-Iran war, and Strait of Hormuz closure disruptions
Debatable claims
- ▪Voluntary export restrictions are more effective than an outright ban on diesel exports
- ▪Intervening in energy markets to address short-term voter frustration is justified
- ▪The US should ban diesel exports to lower domestic fuel prices
- ▪Lowering domestic fuel prices is more important than maintaining global energy market stability
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