President Donald Trump said he is still looking “very seriously” at implementing a US ban on diesel exports to combat high prices, even as others in his administration continue to focus on other possible steps. The move follows a surge in diesel exports to near 2 million barrels a day last month, with farm‑state lawmakers urging limits during the fall harvest. Administration officials, including National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, have been analyzing the ramifications of a short‑term ban.

Oil CEOs and industry groups instead advocate suspending the federal diesel excise tax to ease prices without export drawbacks. Diesel powers farm equipment, freight trains, trucks and delivery vans, and US retail prices have hit a record $6.50 a gallon, raising voter anxiety ahead of the midterm elections. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration is working with refiners on voluntary export curbs as an alternative to a government‑imposed ban.

A halt would leave allies such as Brazil and the UK urgently needing to secure fuel, while US diesel prices would likely plummet in the short run.