Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday the Trump administration plans to avoid an outright ban on diesel exports despite rising prices, rejecting a Politico report of an imminent 90-day prohibition. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Wright favored voluntary limits over a "blunt hammer" of government policy, citing refining complexity. He emphasized the need to maintain global diesel supply while addressing domestic price pressures.

Average U.S. diesel prices reached $6.52 a gallon, up 76% year-over-year, according to AAA, straining farmers and heavy users amid global supply tightness from conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Wright warned that banning exports could force refiners to cut runs, raising gasoline and jet fuel prices. He noted the U.S. exports roughly 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily to Europe, Central and South America, and Australia.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also voiced internal objections to a total ban. Wright told energy CEOs a 90-day ban was likely, prompting pushback. President Trump supported keeping more diesel domestically ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.

Lipow Oil Associates president Andrew Lipow called a ban "a bad idea" with serious unintended consequences, predicting higher global prices if U.S. exports were halted.