Is Trump banning US diesel exports? Here's everything to know

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the White House is “very seriously” considering a diesel export ban as U.S. fuel prices soar ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Talking to a Fox reporter on Sunday, September 27, he said: “We’re thinking about it very seriously. That can oftentimes lead to a little bit of an increase in gasoline prices for cars, so we’re looking at it very seriously. We may do it.”

Diesel prices have soared to record highs amid conflicts between the U.S. and Iran, and Russia and Ukraine, disrupting global oil trade routes. Average U.S. diesel prices hovered around $6.50 a gallon on Friday, September, 25. This marks a sharp increase from a year ago.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said the White House is considering restrictions instead of an outright ban.

The idea has prompted pushback from the U.S. energy industry. The American Petroleum Institute’s CEO Mike Sommers warned that “restricting U.S. energy exports would only compound the problem, exacerbate refining challenges and ultimately hurt consumers.”

The U.S. is considered the world’s largest diesel exporter. No final decision has been made, and analysts remain unclear whether a ban will actually be implemented.