GOP Senate hopefuls in three of the country’s most competitive races are lining up behind a freeze on diesel exports as fuel prices spike due to the war with Iran.
Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska on Tuesday became the latest Republican to call for a pause on diesel exports until the conflict ends. Locked in a tough reelection fight with former Rep. Mary Peltola, he signaled that he hears voters’ frustrations.
“The cost of diesel is just too damn high,” Mr. Sullivan said in a statement. “I’m calling for a temporary pause of American diesel exports so that we can rebuild our reserves ahead of winter, and put American and Alaskan families first.”
Former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan and Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa — both running for Senate — rolled out similar proposals this week.
Democrats, however, say Republicans who backed the war can’t unring the bell now that prices have surged. Some energy analysts also warn that restricting diesel exports could backfire and push costs even higher.
Alaska, Iowa and Michigan are all toss-up races. With Republicans holding a narrow 53-47 majority, the outcomes will help determine whether the GOP keeps control of the chamber for the final two years of President Trump’s second term.
“Until this war is over, I’m calling for a temporary embargo on American diesel exports,” Mr. Rogers says in an ad that began airing this week. “Keep more American diesel here at home. Increase the supply available to our farmers, our truckers, and put downward pressure on diesel prices.”
Ms. Hinson went further, calling for suspending the gas tax, pausing diesel exports and “unleashing E‑15 everywhere we can.” She also wants to reinstate a $1‑a‑gallon biodiesel tax credit and create a diesel relief program for farmers and truckers.
“These actions to lower costs are needed ASAP, and the war needs to be brought to a successful and immediate end,” she said.
Fuel prices have climbed sharply since Iran moved to close traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil. The national average for regular gas hit $4.48 a gallon Monday — more than $1 higher than a year ago, according to AAA — while diesel reached a record $6.51.
A diesel‑export pause could likely be done through executive action. Suspending the federal gas tax, however, would require congressional action — a tall order after House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home until after the midterms.
President Trump, speaking at the United Nations, said he is weighing a diesel export pause. “I’ve said, ‘Let’s not send out the diesel,’” Mr. Trump said during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “I’ve called for it.”
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