Senator Grassley urges Trump to ban diesel exports as Iowa prices hit record

Senator Chuck Grassley appealed to President Donald Trump to enact a diesel export ban, citing record diesel prices that have climbed to more than $6 per gallon nationwide and $6.29 per gallon in Iowa, threatening farmers’ profitability. He likened the proposal to 1970s agricultural export embargoes used to curb food price inflation. The surge in diesel costs follows supply constraints tied to the Iran war, adding roughly $50 billion in extra household spending on diesel, according to a Brown University study.

While Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed openness and Representative Tim Burchett introduced legislation to prohibit diesel exports through January 2027, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the industry group American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers warned the move could backfire and hurt energy security. The Department of Agriculture said the administration is working to address the “temporary challenge.” The debate highlights the political pressure on the GOP ahead of the midterm elections.