Trump backs proposed US diesel export ban as fuel prices surge

US President Donald Trump has expressed support for restricting American diesel exports as his administration considers measures aimed at addressing record-high fuel prices.

Trump told reporters that he had called for the United States to stop sending diesel overseas.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration was examining whether such restrictions would be feasible and whether a full or partial export ban could work given US refining capacity.

The proposal comes as diesel prices have climbed sharply amid tight global supplies linked to disruptions affecting major fuel-producing regions.

US diesel inventories have fallen to unusually low levels, while shortages and high prices are affecting transportation, agriculture and other industries that depend heavily on the fuel.

Some Republican politicians have supported export restrictions as a possible way to keep more diesel inside the United States and relieve domestic prices.

However, some administration officials and energy analysts have warned that restricting exports could produce unintended consequences.

Reuters reported that Energy Secretary Chris Wright has warned restrictions could increase some fuel costs on the US East and West coasts, while other officials have raised concerns about retaliation by trading partners.

No final diesel export ban had been implemented in the reporting available for this story