Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Trump Weighs Diesel Export Ban as Prices Hit Records
President Donald Trump is thinking about stopping some diesel fuel from being shipped out of the United States.
He hopes this would make diesel cheaper for Americans.
Diesel is used by farmers, trucks, trains, and delivery vans.
Prices recently reached a record, averaging about $6.50 per gallon.
Some lawmakers want the export limit because farmers are using fuel during the fall harvest.
Oil companies instead want the government to pause the federal diesel tax.
The administration is also discussing voluntary limits with fuel refiners.
A ban could help American buyers in the short term but make it harder for countries such as Brazil and the United Kingdom to obtain fuel.
President Donald Trump said he is seriously considering a ban on US diesel exports to reduce domestic fuel prices.
Diesel prices reached a record last week and are averaging about $6.50 per gallon.
Farm-state lawmakers support export limits during the fall harvest amid global fuel disruptions.
Oil companies and industry groups favor suspending the federal diesel tax instead of banning exports.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration is also discussing voluntary export curbs with refiners.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, farm-state lawmakers, oil industry groups, refiners, and administration officials including Chris Wright, Kevin Hassett, Scott Bessent, and Jamieson Greer.
- What
- The Trump administration is considering a short-term ban or voluntary limits on US diesel exports to address record domestic prices.
- When
- Trump discussed the proposal on September 28, 2026; diesel prices reached a record the previous week.
- Where
- The discussion concerns US diesel exports and global fuel markets; Trump spoke near Chicago during the Presidents Cup final.
- Why
- The administration is considering export limits to lower domestic diesel prices amid global supply disruptions and concerns about living costs.
Export Ban Supporters
Industry and Alternative-Measure Advocates
Reducing domestic prices
Export Ban Supporters
Farm-state lawmakers and President Trump support considering export limits to increase fuel availability in the United States and reduce prices.
Industry and Alternative-Measure Advocates
Oil industry groups argue that suspending the federal diesel tax would ease prices without the drawbacks of an export ban.
Protecting supply during disruptions
Export Ban Supporters
Supporters point to the fall harvest and global fuel disruptions, including Strait of Hormuz flow problems and attacks on Russian refineries.
Industry and Alternative-Measure Advocates
Opponents warn that an export halt could disrupt foreign buyers and leave allies such as Brazil and the United Kingdom needing fuel.
Government ban versus cooperation
Export Ban Supporters
A government-imposed ban remains under serious consideration, according to Trump and administration officials analyzing its effects.
Industry and Alternative-Measure Advocates
Energy Secretary Chris Wright favors exploring voluntary export curbs with refiners, while companies are also preparing contractual protections for possible shipment pauses.
- Diesel price
- US retail diesel prices are averaging about $6.50 per gallon and reached a record last week.
- Potential policy
- Trump is considering a short-term ban on US diesel exports.
- Export volume
- US diesel exports reached a weekly record near 2 million barrels per day last month.
- Main users
- Diesel powers farm equipment, freight trains, trucks, and delivery vans.
- Alternative proposal
- Oil companies and industry groups favor suspending the federal diesel excise tax.
- Voluntary option
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration is working with refiners on voluntary export curbs.
- Potential international effect
- A ban could leave allies including Brazil and the United Kingdom urgently seeking fuel.