Republicans Push Diesel Export Ban as Prices Hit Record Highs

Republican lawmakers are urging President Donald Trump to ban diesel exports as national average prices reached a record $6.52 per gallon this week, more than double the level from a year ago. The surge follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran earlier this year, cutting off roughly one-tenth of global water-borne diesel shipments.

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa spearheaded the push on Saturday, stating high diesel prices are "killing farmers' income." Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson, both from Iowa, quickly endorsed the proposal, alongside Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota. House Republicans introduced legislation last week for a temporary ban through January 2027 before recessing ahead of the November 3 midterms.

“High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME.”

Trump endorsed the concept Tuesday from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, saying he had "called for it within my people." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the administration is studying the option, though the White House has not committed to action. During the week of September 11, the U.S. produced over 5 million barrels of distillate fuels daily but exported 1.6 million barrels, while domestic reserves fell to their lowest level since 1882.

An online dashboard tracking the impact estimates the price surge has cost American households nearly $400 each since the war began. Diesel powers the trucks, ships, and trains that move goods nationwide, making the price spike a broad economic concern beyond the agricultural sector.