The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a plan to halt U.S. diesel exports for 90 days, according to five people familiar with the matter.
The White House’s discussions to combat rising gasoline prices come amid all-time historic highs for fuel costs across the U.S.
Record-Setting Gas Prices
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price of diesel in the U.S. sits at $6.52 per gallon – a more than 175% increase compared to the year prior, which sat at $3.69 per gallon.
Before the current average’s record-setting price, the highest diesel prices in U.S. history were in June 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Diesel prices sat at around $5.82 at that time.
Would The Ban Help?
The ban would help lower diesel prices in certain parts of the U.S. by diverting fuel headed to Europe or Asia to fill the U.S. fuel system instead.
The plan, however, is driving internal division among administration officials and with the oil industry.
U.S. fuel producers argue that higher fuel prices after the ban would offset any short-term benefit produced by a moratorium.
For example, in response to the ban, refiners could slow production to offset the loss of a major export market, raising fuel prices once again.
Comments From Officials
According to one anonymous person familiar with the talks, some Republican lawmakers, refining industry executives, and even some White House officials are trying to convince President Donald Trump that the ban would be a bad idea.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are among those against imposing a complete ban.
President Trump, however, might be inclined to announce the ban due to current approval ratings and efforts to appeal to voters ahead of the 2026 Midterm elections, according to one oil executive involved in talks.
A White House official responded to the story, first reported by POLITICO, calling it “another fake news story” from the outlet.
