Trump backs diesel export ban as US prices hit record highs

President Donald Trump said he would support banning US diesel exports to lower record-high pump prices, following pressure from Republican lawmakers ahead of November's midterm elections. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Trump suggested keeping diesel domestic could ease broader petrol costs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed officials are assessing a full or partial ban's feasibility. National average diesel prices surpassed $6.50 per gallon Tuesday, driven by Middle East conflict and constrained global supplies. A ban risks raising prices internationally, as the US exports about 1.3 million barrels daily—nearly a quarter of refining output. Western allies like the UK and Netherlands rely on American fuel to offset Russian sanctions, while Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries have further squeezed global reserves.