{
  "id": 10430719,
  "title": "Diesel prices are surging. Ukraine is only part of the story",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/diesel-prices-are-surging-ukraine-is-only-part-of-the-story-10430719",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-28T10:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW Business",
    "slug": "dw-business",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/diesel-prices-are-surging-ukraine-is-only-part-of-the-story/a-79390992?maca=en-rss-en-bus-2091-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Diesel prices are increasing, but the impact extends far beyond fuel for vehicles. Diesel powers many aspects of the economy, including freight transport, farming equipment, construction, and industry. As a result, diesel shortages or price hikes can have a greater economic impact than higher gasoline prices, driving up costs for moving goods and operating heavy machinery. This contributes to a growing cost-of-living crisis and inflation.\n\nThe United States is the world's largest diesel exporter, but its production has declined due to attacks on Russian oil refineries. Russian diesel production is down nearly 30% from 2025 levels, and Russia has restricted diesel exports to protect domestic supplies. In response, the US administration has considered a diesel export ban, which could further exacerbate the situation ahead of the November midterm elections.\n\nEurope relies heavily on diesel, with over 38% of passenger cars and 77% of total diesel and gas oil consumption coming from road transport. EU drivers are paying €30 more for a 50-liter tank of diesel since the start of the war in Iran, while German long-haul truck drivers pay an extra €236 a week. This amounts to €270 million a day, with €203 million coming from diesel.\n\nThe main constraint on diesel production is not crude oil but refining capacity. Disruptions in the Ukraine drone campaign and the Hormuz conflict have knocked out working refining capacity faster than it can be replaced. The Strait of Hormuz poses a long-term risk for diesel prices as refinery capacity has dropped substantially, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions.",
  "summary": "Trucks, farms and industry are powered with diesel. Now prices are soaring due to refinery disruptions, supply shortages and geopolitical tensions. A potential US export ban could make Europe's diesel crunch even worse.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Diesel prices are surging. Ukraine is only part of the story",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/diesel-prices-are-surging-ukraine-is-only-part-of-the-story",
        "published": "2026-09-28T10:35:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}