Republican lawmakers push diesel export ban as US prices hit record $6.50 a gallon

September 22, 2026 at 02:00 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Republican lawmakers are urging President Donald Trump to ban US diesel exports after prices surged to a record $6.50 a gallon. Senator Chuck Grassley, Representative Tim Burchett, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have each called for export restrictions. The White House said it is not considering an export ban at this time.

Key Facts

US diesel prices exceeded $6.50 a gallon for the first time on record, up 83% so far this year.
Senator Chuck Grassley called for an embargo on diesel exports, citing harm to farmers' income.
Representative Tim Burchett introduced legislation in the House to ban diesel exports.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry proposed a 90-day ban on US diesel exports.
A White House official said the administration is not considering an export ban or restrictions at this time.

Record Diesel Prices

Diesel prices spiked above $6.50 a gallon over the weekend for the first time on record. Prices have surged 83% so far this year, on track for the biggest annual increase since AAA began tracking diesel in 2000. The Iran war cut off diesel exports from the Middle East, and Ukrainian drone strikes knocked out refineries in Russia, the world's No. 2 diesel exporter. Russia and China have both imposed export restrictions, further tightening global supply.

Republican Export Ban Push

Senator Chuck Grassley posted on X that high diesel prices are killing farmers' income and called for an embargo on diesel exports. Representative Tim Burchett introduced legislation to ban diesel exports, flanked by a billboard declaring prices out of control. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, whose state hosts some of the world's largest refineries, called for a 90-day ban on US diesel exports. Bloomberg reported that Republican leaders are discussing export restrictions as a way to halt the price surge.

Administration and Analyst Warnings

A White House official told CNN the administration is not considering an export ban or restrictions at this time. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told CNBC he is not at all confident an export ban would lower prices and cautioned it could hurt Americans in import-dependent regions. Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, called an export ban a sledgehammer and an authentic policy error. Researchers warned a ban would likely raise prices for allies, jack up gasoline prices, crush US refiners, and damage America's reputation as a reliable energy superpower.