Trump says he backs a ban on U.S. diesel exports as fuel prices hit record highs

President Donald Trump stated on September 22, 2026 that he supports banning U.S. diesel exports to lower domestic prices, which have surged above $6.50 per gallon due to the war with Iran and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. Republican senators and candidates from farm states have championed the idea, while oil industry officials and administration energy experts warn it would backfire by raising gasoline prices, hurting coastal states that rely on imports, and damaging U.S. allies. Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated a blanket ban would not happen, and the White House denied a Politico report that a 90-day ban was under consideration.