Trump backs temporary diesel export ban to lower U.S. fuel prices

President Donald Trump said he supports a temporary ban on U.S. diesel exports to lower fuel prices, endorsing a proposal pushed by Republican midterm candidates as diesel costs soar above $6.50 per gallon amid the war in Iran. Trump made the remarks on Sept. 22 at the United Nations General Assembly, though he declined to commit to a timeline. Supporters argue the ban would increase domestic supply and reduce prices, but the American Petroleum Institute opposes it, warning it would worsen refining challenges and hurt consumers. Higher diesel costs have raised grocery prices and hit farmers and rural communities hard. Experts note domestic refineries already produce more diesel than the U.S. consumes, and Treasury Secretary Bessent said the administration is still assessing whether a full or partial ban is feasible.