Trump And GOP Lawmakers Urge Diesel Export Ban As Prices Soar

High Prices Hit Home

Diesel prices have jumped to record levels across the country. The average cost now stands at $6.52 a gallon, according to the Washington Examiner. This is up more than 80% from a year ago in hard-hit states. Maine’s average heating oil price was $5.77 as of mid-September. That figure is about 74% higher than the $3.32 average seen in September 2025.

Two Maine senators sent a letter to President Trump this week. They asked him to release oil from the reserve. They cited the war in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine as the cause of the shortage.

A Shift in GOP Stance

This price surge is causing a rift in the Republican Party. Big Oil has long been a key ally for GOP candidates. Now, many in the party back a temporary ban on diesel exports. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) became the most prominent Republican to support the idea. He is the president pro tempore of the Senate.

President Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he agrees with the ban. He added that the U.S. makes a lot of diesel.

Other GOP candidates are joining this push. Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa and Mike Rogers in Michigan support the ban. Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska is also on board. They say this move will lower prices for voters before the election.

Oil Groups Push Back

Industry groups warn that a ban could hurt consumers more. The American Petroleum Institute says cutting exports would raise gas prices. They claim shifts in production would cause the spike. Despite these warnings, the policy has gained traction in Washington. Advisers have been ordered by the president to craft a reply.

It remains unclear if the White House will issue a strict ban or just voluntary caps. Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested the idea of caps on Wednesday. Support is not uniform across the party. Many Republicans in oil-rich states still oppose the move. Trump received $2.6 million from oil and gas industry employees and PACs in 2024.

Farmers Feel the Pain

The high costs are hitting farmers the hardest. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, spoke on the issue. He called the situation really difficult for agriculture.

The fear is that these prices could flip competitive states in the November election. Polls show races in Iowa and Kansas are tighter than expected. The party that usually supports fossil fuel rules is now pushing back against its biggest donors. American families must receive relief from American energy before others. This simple idea is driving a major political shift.

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