Trump Mulls U.S. Diesel Export Ban as Russia Extends Its Own Restrictions
Donald Trump said he is seriously considering a ban on U.S. diesel exports as domestic prices hit record levels, while Russia moves to prolong its diesel export ban.
President Donald Trump said he is "very seriously" contemplating a ban on American diesel exports after domestic diesel prices climbed to a record $6.529 per gallon. The proposal has found support among Republicans, including Senator Chuck Grassley and Representative Tim Burchett, who have called for automatic export limits if prices exceed $5 per gallon. Meanwhile, Russia’s government, which first restricted diesel exports in September 2025, plans to extend the ban through the end of October, after Ukraine’s drone strikes crippled key refineries and triggered nationwide shortages.
Since Europe reduced its reliance on Russian oil and gas, U.S. distillate exports have risen sharply, with shipments to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom increasing markedly between 2021 and 2024. American diesel now supplies a larger share of the Turkish market, which saw Russian imports fall from 85 % in 2025 to about 20 % by August, according to Kpler. Both leaders face separate energy challenges: Putin deals with sanctions and infrastructure damage, while Trump confronts high domestic fuel costs linked to broader geopolitical tensions, including U.S. strikes on Iran affecting Hormuz shipping.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 European gas prices hit three-year high as winter energy outlook grows bleak
- Sep 7 Washington and Caracas have signed a pact giving the U.S. majority control over about a third of Venezuela's oil reserves, with the White House saying it will set the stage for future voting. Neither Donald Trump nor interim President Delcy Rodríguez provided a timetable, sparking frustration among citizens and opposition leaders who see the agreement as entrenching the unelected regime. Republican lawmakers and former officials have voiced both support for the economic boost and concern over its political impact.
- Sep 12 Rough’s production licence is set to expire in April, ending extraction at the site.
- Sep 12 Legal experts have voiced doubts about the pact’s compliance with Venezuela’s Hydrocarbons Law and international conventions.
- Sep 18 The Trump administration finalized a partnership to develop 17 oil fields in Venezuela.
- Sep 22 Trump told reporters he wants to stop sending diesel abroad, citing the surge in diesel costs driven by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is reviewing whether a full or partial ban is feasible. Republican Senate hopefuls, including Ashley Hinson, have urged the government to adopt the ban to ease price pressures on Americans.
- Sep 23 Rural GOP lawmakers have publicly demanded action on diesel exports ahead of the November election.
- Sep 24 President Trump announced support for a diesel export ban.
- Sep 24 Gas storage levels are now reported at about 69% of capacity, below the usual seasonal target.
- Sep 26 The European Union has asked the administration to keep U.S. diesel exports flowing amid the price surge.
- Sep 26 President Donald Trump announced new fuel-economy rules that scrap the electric-vehicle mandate introduced under Joe Biden.
- Sep 27 The Saudi pipeline across the Arabian Peninsula was closed after an attack in Iraq, adding to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sep 28 The 2031 fuel‑economy target was lowered to roughly 34.9 mpg.
- Sep 29 Trump said he will look into limiting diesel exports.
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