Politico, citing five sources, reports the Trump administration is drafting a
90-day diesel export pause intended to lower domestic diesel prices ahead of the
midterms. The plan has provoked splits inside government and the oil sector;
Energy Secretary Wright, Treasury Secretary Bessent and Interior Secretary
Burgum oppose a full ban. Wright warned a simple export prohibition could force
refiners to cut runs — because diesel is co-produced with gasoline and jet fuel
— and raise other fuel prices. Recent US strikes on Iran and an attack on a
Russian refinery have pushed diesel prices higher. Farm-state Republican
pressure, including public support from Senator Chuck Grassley, has pushed the
proposal; Trump is said to be inclined to announce measures before the weekend,
but the decision remains subject to change.
