Trump Backs Diesel Export Ban as Energy Costs Soar
President Trump said he supports a diesel export ban as US politicians push to curb soaring energy costs.
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he backed the idea of banning diesel exports, a step some American politicians have urged to ease surging energy costs.
Speaking to reporters before a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the United Nations, Trump said he had already raised the proposal with his team. "I've said let's not send out the diesel. We make a lot of diesel ... I've called for it. I've called for it within my people," he said.
Diesel prices have climbed to record highs in both Europe and the United States, as wars in Iran and Ukraine have sharply reduced exports from major producers including Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking at the same meeting, said the administration was assessing whether such a ban would be workable and whether a full or partial restriction would be more effective.
The proposal has gained traction among some Republican Senate candidates in the most competitive races ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, who this week called on the administration to impose an export ban to help relieve cost pressures on Americans.
Trump also said he and Zelenskiy would discuss Ukrainian strikes on Russian refining sites. "It is a serious hit on the Russians. It's also a serious hit on the price of diesel," he said, adding that the two leaders would also discuss efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Asked about the prospects for a resolution, Trump said, "I think it's going to happen."