‘Dammit, something has to happen’: White House preparing plan for 90-day diesel exports ban

The White House is formulating a plan to ban diesel exports for 90 days, despite internal disagreements and opposition from the oil industry, in an effort to address rising energy costs that are impacting Republicans ahead of the midterms, according to five sources familiar with the discussions. The proposed ban, the legalities of which remain unclear, has sparked controversy and tension between administration officials and the oil sector, with the latter warning that any immediate relief would be negated by higher fuel prices in the future.

This restriction would mark the first time the U.S. has imposed limits on energy exports since the Obama administration lifted a decades-old ban on oil exports in 2015. The surge in diesel prices is attributed to the war in Iran and Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries, both of which have driven diesel prices to record highs.

Some Republican lawmakers, oil executives, and even certain White House officials are still advocating against a ban, citing potential negative consequences such as higher prices for gasoline, jet fuel, and other fuels. However, as energy prices continue to burden Republican candidates in the upcoming midterms, the Trump administration is leaning towards announcing the ban by week's end, attributing any backlash to a future concern.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have voiced their opposition to a total ban, while a White House spokesperson dismissed the story as "fake news."