Myles Mc Cormick in Washington Published September 13 2026

Trump called on Ukraine to stop drone strikes on Russian diesel refineries, blaming them for record-high US diesel prices of $6.20 a gallon. He urged President Zelenskyy to cease targeting diesel fuel, saying it is causing a global shortage and hurting the economy. The price surge, past $6 a gallon for the first time, reflects infrastructure damage from the US-Iran conflict and reduced Russian exports due to Ukrainian attacks. Diesel, vital to US industry and agriculture, has risen two-thirds since February. Inflation held at 3.4 per cent in August, fueling Fed rate hike bets ahead of November 3 midterms. Trump denied Middle East involvement, asserting the crisis stems from Russia-Ukraine actions. Analysts warn low inventories threaten sustained supply. The US has ramped refinery output, but risks remain.