Donald Trump has held crisis talks with advisers over whether to impose a diesel export ban to contain a fuel crisis threatening his Republican Party's midterm election campaign. Aides have presented the president with options including curbs on international diesel sales, while administration officials have briefed foreign allies including the UK about possible supply disruptions. A White House official said Trump was evaluating options to lower domestic fuel prices, though no decision has been taken on suspending exports.

The debate pits Republican allies worried about political impact against oil bosses desperate to preserve lucrative exports. Iowa senator Chuck Grassley and other agricultural Republicans have pushed for the block, fearing a midterms backlash unless fuel prices can be lowered. Voters have soured on Trump's economic handling, according to polls.

One industry figure said an export ban was "absolutely getting pretty close to movement" after Grassley and farming state Republicans urged the administration to "stop the bleeding". White House officials have laid the groundwork for a ban with European allies, where prices have hit new records. US energy secretary Chris Wright held calls with UK officials, while Scott Bessent spoke to Robert Jenrick of Reform UK, who argued against the ban.

The Trump administration has cranked up pressure on European allies to release diesel stocks from reserves and discussed asking China to increase production. Exxon Mobil's chief executive Darren Woods met Wright at the White House. Officials including Wright, interior secretary Doug Burgum and Bessent have weighed in against a ban, arguing it could backfire by pushing up prices in US import markets.

Other ideas floated include further Jones Act waivers, tax relief and relaxing rules on dyed diesel for off-road vehicles.