President Trump said he supports pausing diesel exports as U.S. pump prices hit a national average of $6.5276 per gallon, prompting fresh debate inside the administration and on Capitol Hill. Treasury officials are weighing whether a ban would be partial or total, while some cabinet members warn it could backfire. Legislators including Rep. Tim Burchett and Sen. John Thune have pushed export limits, and global disruptions—including refinery attacks and Russia's export curbs—have tightened diesel supplies.
Trump Backs Pause On U.S. Diesel Exports As Prices Hit Record Highs
Trump Backs Diesel Export Ban as Prices Hit Record Highs
President Donald Trump said he supports a possible pause on U.S. diesel exports as pump prices climb to record levels, signaling renewed debate inside the administration and on Capitol Hill about how to protect domestic fuel supplies.
Officials Weigh Costs and Benefits
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to Reuters, said the administration is evaluating whether an export restriction would be effective and whether any measure should be partial or total. The national U.S. average price for diesel reached $6.5276 per gallon on Tuesday, data from AAA show.
"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," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of this week's U.N. General Assembly, as quoted by Reuters.
Legislative Push And Internal Opposition
The idea of restricting diesel shipments surfaced earlier this month and gained legislative momentum when Representative Tim Burchett introduced a bill proposing a ban. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed support for limiting exports. By contrast, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have warned that an export ban could be counterproductive and could backfire, underscoring the complexity of U.S. fuel markets even as suppliers tighten.
"American fuel should stay home with Americans," Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan said, calling for a temporary pause to rebuild reserves ahead of winter, as reported by Reuters.
Global Factors Tightening Supplies
Officials and analysts point to a series of international developments that have squeezed diesel availability. The article reports that attacks on refineries prompted Russia to curb its diesel exports, removing a key source of supply. Meanwhile, disruptions to Middle East shipments linked to regional tensions have further reduced available cargoes for global markets.
What Could Happen Next
Support from the president increases the political prospects for some form of restriction, but practical and market consequences remain uncertain. Opponents caution that export limits could distort global markets, provoke retaliatory measures, and ultimately raise costs for consumers and freight-dependent industries. Proponents argue a temporary pause would help rebuild domestic reserves before winter and prioritize U.S. drivers and businesses.
By Irina Slav, Oilprice.com. Reporting sourced to Reuters and AAA data.
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