Trump backs diesel export ban to cut record US prices

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 United Nations General Assembly, Trump suggested keeping domestic supplies could also ease petrol prices. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed officials are assessing whether a full or partial ban would work without disrupting refinery capabilities, as national average diesel prices surpassed $6.50 per gallon. The US exports about 1.3 million barrels of diesel daily, nearly a quarter of its refining output. Trump also linked the move to strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, saying it would be "a serious hit on the Russians" and discussed the matter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.