Trump backs possible US diesel export ban

US President Donald Trump has voiced his support for a potential ban on diesel exports, amid escalating fuel prices triggered by the recent conflict in the Middle East. During a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York, Trump voiced his prior endorsement of the proposal, stating, "I've called for that too.

I've said, let's not send out the diesel." He further added that the US is a major producer of diesel and suggested that restricting exports might affect domestic petrol prices. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was present at the meeting, the administration is currently evaluating the possibility of either a full or partial export ban, taking into account the nation's refining capabilities.

Bessent explained, "We're looking at whether it's feasible in terms of the overall refining capacity and whether a full or partial ban would work." Earlier this week, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune also suggested that he was receptive to the idea of a diesel export ban if it could help alleviate pressure on fuel prices.

The rise in US fuel prices has been significant since the beginning of the US-Iran war in late February, posing economic and political challenges to the Trump administration as the midterm elections approach.