US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he backed a ban on diesel exports, aligning himself with Republican lawmakers who have pressed for action on fuel costs before November's mid-term elections. The intervention came as national average diesel prices surpassed $6.50 a gallon on Tuesday, a new high according to American Automobile Association data.
Trump made the remarks ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the United Nations. He said he would support proposals to halt American diesel exports in an effort to ease prices for drivers at the pumps.
The administration has yet to decide whether any restriction will take effect. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said officials were examining “whether a full or partial ban would work” without disrupting refinery capabilities.
The proposal has become politically urgent as the 3 November mid-term elections approach. Republican candidates in tight races have focused on rising fuel costs, while lawmakers have urged Trump to curb overseas shipments.
US Representative Ashley Hinson, a Republican running for Senate in Iowa, said on Monday that the state's consumers were “being squeezed and shouldn't have to foot the bill at the pump.” Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska called on Tuesday for a “temporary pause of American diesel and exports” to rebuild domestic reserves.
The US exports roughly 1.3 million barrels of diesel per day, nearly a quarter of its refining output. That trade leaves an obvious political target when prices rise, though the flow of fuel also serves markets beyond the US.
The UK and the Netherlands have relied on American fuel to cover deficits left by sanctions on Russian energy. Russia ranks among the world's leading diesel suppliers, and Ukraine's targeting of Russian energy facilities has knocked out the country's refining capacity.
Supply pressures have also come from the conflict in the Middle East, which has constrained global oil supplies and put further pressure on pump prices. Cutting US exports could therefore shift fuel from international markets towards domestic supply, while creating fresh strains elsewhere.
Trump's support puts him at odds with senior members of his own energy team. Energy Secretary Wright said an export ban could raise fuel and gasoline prices on the East and West Coasts. Interior Secretary Burgum warned that other countries could take retaliatory action in response to a diesel export ban.
Officials have not set a timetable for a decision, and the administration has not said how a full or partial restriction would affect refinery operations. It also remains unclear whether supplies for allies would receive priority under any export limits.
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