Top Republican lawmakers are increasing pressure on President Donald Trump to implement a ban on U.S. diesel exports. This push comes as surging diesel prices are creating significant financial hardship for American farmers and truckers, with the midterm elections just weeks away.
Several key Republican figures, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, have publicly urged Trump to consider an embargo. Grassley specifically drew parallels to 1970s embargoes on agricultural products, suggesting that if the government can embargo chips to China, it should be able to embargo diesel to support American agriculture. He emphasized that high diesel prices are "KILLING FARMERS' INCOME."
The urgency of these calls is underscored by the current economic climate. The national average price for a gallon of diesel has climbed significantly, reaching approximately $6.51, a substantial increase from about $3.70 a year ago. In Grassley's home state of Iowa, prices are around $6.29. This steep increase, with the national average rising over $0.40 in the last week, is exacerbating the economic mood ahead of the midterms and is partly attributed to the war with Iran, which has impacted the Strait of Hormuz and global oil supplies. The war has led to U.S. households spending an additional $50 billion on diesel, with prices rising 77% since its inception.
While some Republicans like Senator John Thune and Representative Tim Burchett (who introduced a bill to ban diesel exports through January 2027) are open to or actively supporting an export ban, there is also opposition. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum expressed skepticism, suggesting a ban might not lower prices and could even harm Americans through foreign retaliation. Industry groups, such as American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, also warn that an export ban could reduce U.S. fuel production, increase prices, and weaken energy security by handing market share to foreign competitors. The U.S. exported nearly 400 million barrels of diesel last year, with May seeing a record 50 million barrels exported.
