Trump Backs Diesel Export Ban as Fuel Costs Continue Soaring

By sterlingashworth // 2026-09-23

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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, Sept. 22, that he backed a ban on diesel exports, according to remarks to reporters during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York. "Well, I've called for that too. I've said, let's not send out the diesel," Trump said Tuesday, according to the Epoch Times ^[1]. The remarks followed calls from Republican candidates in tight November races for the measure to curb record fuel prices, officials said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration was examining whether a ban on diesel exports was feasible, Reuters reported ^[2]. Diesel prices have hit records in the U.S. and Europe as wars in Iran and Ukraine cut exports from Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to market data. The national average diesel price reached $6.5107 per gallon on Monday, American Automobile Association data showed – up from $6.23 a week earlier and $5.58 a month earlier ^[3]. The price has gained more than 87 cents so far in September, surpassing the previous peak of $5.82 set on June 17, 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine ^[4]. High fuel prices are a vulnerability for Trump ahead of the Nov. 3 elections, with Republicans trying to keep control of Congress.

Administration Reviews Feasibility

Bessent said the administration is examining whether a diesel export ban is feasible, according to remarks made after Trump's comments. "He is examining whether it is feasible, whether a full ban or a partial ban would work," a statement read, Reuters reported ^[2]. Trump told reporters, "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," according to Just The News ^[5]. Trump spoke ahead of a meeting with Zelensky, officials said. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 22 as the United States continues to seek an end to the war ^[6].

Republican Candidates Press for Action

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) have called for the Trump administration to implement the ban or an embargo, according to statements. Grassley wrote on X on Sept. 19: "With diesel at $6.57 in Iowa, why doesn't Pres. Trump put an embargo on diesel exports like presidents in the 70s put embargoes on ag products bc food prices were inflated." He added: "High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS' INCOME" ^[7]. Sullivan said in a statement Tuesday, "American fuel should stay home with Americans. The cost of diesel is just too damn high," according to the Epoch Times ^[1]. Hinson and Rogers on Monday, Sept. 20, also called for a swift end to the war in Iran – putting distance between themselves and Trump, according to their public comments. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said he was "open to exploring" a diesel export ban as prices continued to set new highs ^[8].

Agriculture and Energy Officials Weigh In

The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week urged the White House to act on diesel prices, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Monday she had spoken with Trump about the issue, calling high prices "a real concern," according to Politico as reported by the Epoch Times ^[1]. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said last week a ban would lead to a diesel glut on the U.S. Gulf Coast, prompt refiners to cut production and quickly reduce gasoline output, according to remarks at a Daily Caller event. Wright said: "If you start putting barriers on flows, pretty quickly you will reduce the production, and you'll have less supply. We need more supply, not less supply" ^[1]. The warnings came as farmers across the Midwest faced mounting pressure. Reports said some farmers were on the verge of closing operations because diesel costs were wiping out profits ^[9].

Oil Industry and Analysts Warn of Risks

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said a ban would be unlikely to lower petroleum prices and could lead to retaliatory measures by energy exporting countries. "We would consider an export ban if we thought that actually might lower prices, but that's not the case," Burgum said, rejecting the approach ^[10]. Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, said a ban "would cripple domestic jobs, lead to fuel shortages here at home and put power in the hands of China and Russia by forcing our allies to turn to those countries to meet their needs," according to the Epoch Times ^[1]. Jim Mitchell, director of oil trading analytics at consultancy Wood Mackenzie, said, "That would seem pretty damaging to some key U.S. allies" ^[1]. A diesel export ban could temporarily lower prices on the U.S. Gulf Coast but would tighten supplies further in Europe, which is structurally short on diesel and relies heavily on U.S. exports, analysts said. Global diesel supply is already down 8% worldwide, according to FreightWaves ^[11].

Outlook and Ukraine Talks

Trump said he and Zelensky would discuss Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries in Russia, according to remarks to reporters. Trump said, "It is a serious hit on the Russians. It's also a serious hit on the price of diesel" ^[1]. Trump also told reporters the two leaders would discuss working out a solution to end Russia's war in Ukraine, adding, "I think it's going to happen" ^[6]. The push for a resolution marked an intensification of diplomatic efforts ahead of winter. No final decision on the diesel export ban was announced as of Tuesday, officials said. The administration continued to weigh the move amid rising pressure from farmers, truckers, and Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.

References

The Epoch Times. "Trump Backs Temporary Diesel Export Ban as Fuel Costs Ripple Through Economy". September 23, 2026.
Middle East Eye. "US weighing feasibility of diesel export ban after Trump support". September 22, 2026.
RT. "US diesel prices hit record high". September 21, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. "Brace For Impact: Diesel Costs Top $6.50 A Gallon Amid Worsening Supply Disruptions". September 22, 2026.
Just The News. "Trump backs diesel export ban". September 22, 2026.
The Epoch Times. "Trump, Zelenskyy Push for Russia–Ukraine War to End Before Winter". September 22, 2026.
ZeroHedge. "Grassley Urges Diesel Export Ban As Global Fuel Crisis Stokes Resource Nationalism Fears". September 20, 2026.
ZeroHedge. "Thune 'Open To Exploring' Diesel Export Ban As Skyrocketing Prices Raise Fears Of 2008-Style Shock". September 15, 2026.
The New American. "Fuel Skyrockets As Wars, Tight Refineries, and Record Diesel Profits Collide". September 18, 2026.
The Epoch Times. "US Will Not Ban Oil Exports, Interior Secretary Says at G20 Energy Meeting". September 15, 2026.
FreightWaves. "Diesel Supply Down 8%: What Trucking Faces Next". September 21, 2026.

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