Trump administration weighs diesel export ban amid rising fuel costs
U.S. officials are discussing options, including a possible ban on diesel exports, to address sharply higher diesel prices that are affecting the economy.
The White House is holding high-level discussions on how to respond to sharply rising diesel prices, according to a report by the Financial Times. Sources said President Donald Trump has been presented with several options, among them a temporary ban on diesel exports, a measure that industry executives warn could disrupt global supply without lowering domestic prices. A White House spokesperson confirmed the president is "evaluating all the options on the table" and that no decision has been reached.
Industry representatives have argued that an export ban could backfire by raising prices in regions of the United States that rely on imported diesel. Nonetheless, the idea remains under consideration, with internal staff reportedly opposed to it. "The debate goes on. We don’t have a firm sense of what he’s going to do," one source told the outlet, adding that staff opposition exists but the president is still weighing a major action.
Congressional members have expressed concern about the political impact of higher fuel costs. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, warned that the surge in diesel and gasoline prices could affect the party's prospects in upcoming elections. "We’re going to own it, whether we deserve to or not," he said, emphasizing the administration's responsibility for the situation.