Trump says he is considering a ban on diesel exports to ease high U.S. prices

By Tom Howell Jr. - The Washington Times - Tuesday, September 22, 2026

President Trump said Tuesday he is open to a ban on diesel exports from the U.S. as freight drivers and farmers confront record prices because of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and other factors.

Mr. Trump said he is exploring the idea because he generally agrees with U.S. senators who’ve called for a halt to exports to ease prices.

“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.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, sitting with Mr. Trump at U.N. meetings in New York, said the administration is considering whether an export ban is feasible or a good idea.

Administration officials are considering a partial or full ban on diesel exports as diesel skyrockets to over $6.50 per gallon, according to the AAA motor club. Freight trucks use diesel, so the cost can filter through the economy.

Experts say the higher prices are due to Iran’s clampdown on oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and tighter supply from the Ukrainian strikes in Russia.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and other Republicans are among those calling for a diesel export ban.

Some U.S. officials are leery of the idea, however, because they are not sure an export ban will have an immediate effect on prices. The move could backfire if other countries retaliate or higher global prices boomerang back on U.S. consumers. Plus, it may be difficult to send domestic supply to every corner of the U.S.

Resolving the Iran and Ukraine wars would likely be the quickest way to resolve the diesel issue.

The Ukraine war started in February 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion. The U.S. has spent billions of dollars to support Kyiv.

“Certainly, [the Ukrainians] are very good fighters,” Mr. Trump said. “They can be proud of themselves.”

Mr. Zelenskyy thanked Mr. Trump for supporting their war effort and signing a sanctions bill, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, that allows Mr. Trump to tariff countries that purchase Russian oil and gas.

“I hope that we will end this war, and President Trump will help us to end this war,” Mr. Zelenskyy said.

Mr. Trump declined to say what Ukraine would have to give up to settle the war, but he reaffirmed he thinks a deal is possible.

“We have a very good relationship going, the two of us. The president and I are trying to figure out a solution,” Mr. Trump said of Mr. Zelenskyy. “I think it’s going to happen, I really do.”