A major fuel policy debate is heating up in the United States as President Donald Trump throws his support behind a possible ban on diesel exports.
Trump made his position known on Tuesday while speaking to reporters in New York during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
With diesel prices climbing sharply amid disruptions linked to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the US president said American diesel should potentially remain in the country to help ease pressure on domestic fuel prices.
The proposal would restrict American refineries from sending some or all of their diesel supplies to overseas markets, with the aim of increasing the amount available within the US.
Trump indicated that the country produces substantial quantities of diesel and suggested that keeping more of it at home could also have an impact on petrol prices.
However, the plan is not yet final.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was also present during the discussion, said the administration is studying whether such a move would actually be workable given the country’s refining capacity.
Officials are considering both a complete ban and a partial restriction on diesel exports.
The issue has gained momentum as diesel prices have reached record levels in the US. The increase has been linked to disruptions in global fuel supplies caused by ongoing conflicts and problems affecting major oil-producing and refining regions.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also said he is open to considering an export restriction if it could help reduce pressure on fuel prices.
But the idea has also attracted warnings from parts of the energy industry and analysts, who say restricting exports could have wider effects on fuel supply and prices.
For now, the Trump administration is still weighing its options, leaving the question of whether the US will actually impose a diesel export ban unanswered.
Source: AFP
