"Stop Knocking Out Diesel Fuel": Trump Warns Ukraine Over Russian Oil Strikes

During a visit to Ireland, US President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cease targeting Russian diesel fuel in aerial attacks, claiming the action is "hurting the world." This comes as the ongoing conflict in Iran drives up global oil prices. Ukraine has been bombarding Russian fuel infrastructure for months, causing significant supply shortages. Reacting to this, Russia, the world's second-largest diesel exporter behind the US, has imposed a ban on the export of diesel fuel.

The US President's comments come amid rising diesel prices in the US, which topped $6 a gallon for the first time ever, reported AAA. This price surge is linked to global oil prices exceeding $108 per barrel due to the war in the Middle East. The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, has also contributed to supply constraints.

While Trump attributed the spike in diesel prices to "what's happening in Russia and Ukraine," he denied it was caused by the Middle East. In August, Moscow exported around 150,000 barrels of diesel per day, which is 81% lower than its five-year average, following the imposition of an export ban.

Ukraine, which has also been targeted by Russia's energy infrastructure, argues that cutting off fuel supplies to Russia can diminish Moscow's support for the war. However, the higher diesel prices have implications beyond drivers. As businesses experience increased costs, they often pass these on to consumers. Additionally, damage to refineries in Russia and the Middle East, primarily due to the wars, has severely limited diesel production, making it challenging to meet the growing demand.