Analysis-Trump’s diesel price relief efforts grow costlier as election nears

As the 2022 midterm elections approach, President Donald Trump is attempting to alleviate the rising cost of diesel fuel through various measures. These include offering billions of dollars to farmers, easing regulations for truckers, and pressuring European allies to release emergency fuel stocks. However, diesel prices continue to rise, leaving Trump's efforts ineffective in delivering relief to his supporters who are concerned about high costs.

Nearly 80% of Americans blame Trump for the increase in prices, according to a recent poll. Diesel prices surged nearly 10 cents a gallon in the latest week, reaching an average of $6.28 per gallon. Trump has promoted his diesel measures at campaign rallies in the Farm Belt states of Iowa and Kansas, where voters are frustrated by rising fuel and fertilizer costs, trade disruptions, and weak farm economics.

The White House attributes the high prices to pre-existing issues, such as refinery closures and damage from Russia's war in Ukraine. However, critics argue that Trump's efforts to lower diesel costs are not working and may even have negative consequences, such as providing financial support to Russia.