Donald Trump is weighing a 90‑day ban on U.S. diesel exports, a plan that could be announced by the end of the week. The proposal emerged after diesel prices topped $6.50 a gallon, prompting Republican lawmakers in farm‑state districts to push for action.
AAA reports the average U.S. diesel price reached $6.52 on Wednesday, a 91‑cent jump from a month ago and $2.83 above the 2023 level. Ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel futures slid 4.5% in the first half of the day, with the October contract trading at $4.72 a gallon, down from $4.93 a month earlier.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have publicly opposed the ban, citing that a short‑term price dip could lead to higher prices for jet fuel, gasoline, and other refined products. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also voiced concerns, warning that the move could trigger a production cut by refiners who lose a major export market.
The proposal has stirred a fierce internal debate, with some White House advisers describing it as a “terrible idea.” A senior adviser noted that the final decision might hinge on the “last person in the room” before Trump acts, reflecting the tension between political pressure from Republican candidates and economic advisers.
A White House official dismissed the Politico report as “fake news,” amid frantic outreach to find alternatives. The administration is still working out the legal framework for a temporary export halt. A formal statement is expected later this week, after which the energy department will determine the ban’s scope and enforcement timeline.