Trump backs diesel export ban, energy secretary calls it unworkable
The US president wants to investigate export restrictions, while his energy secretary warns of higher fuel prices.
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Donald Trump supports the idea of no longer exporting American diesel in order to bring down domestic fuel prices. His energy secretary, Chris Wright, says such a ban would not work and could also make petrol and aviation fuel more expensive.
Trump said on Tuesday that he supports a ban on diesel exports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the government was examining whether a full or partial ban would be feasible. No decision has yet been taken, and the White House has not announced any specific legislative proposal.
The discussion is taking place against the backdrop of sharply higher diesel prices in the United States and Europe. According to Reuters, the markets are being hit by supply disruptions from, among others, Russia and Saudi Arabia, as well as by the war in Iran. Diesel is important for lorries, agricultural machinery, construction equipment and heating.
Supporters argue that US refineries should keep more fuel on the domestic market. That would increase availability and could lower prices for American motorists, farmers and transport companies. Republican politicians in states where fuel costs are an important election issue are particularly pressing for measures.
Refining, however, does not work like a simple tap that produces only diesel. Refineries also produce petrol and aviation fuel in the same process. If companies cannot export diesel and storage becomes unattractive or impossible, refineries could reduce their output, according to the industry. That would also mean less petrol being available.
Wright therefore calls an export ban a blunt instrument. The American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers likewise warn that a ban could reduce production and shrink supply on international markets. That could particularly affect import-dependent regions in Europe and Latin America.
For Dutch companies, the market reaction is particularly relevant. A US restriction would not automatically lead to a lasting shortage in the Netherlands, but it could redirect trade flows and intensify competition for diesel. Higher fuel prices would then feed through into transport, agriculture, industry and distribution.
The political divide therefore runs not only between Washington and Europe, but also within the US government. Trump presents export restrictions as protection for domestic consumers; his energy secretary and the refining industry instead see the risk that the measure will disrupt the market and make the problem worse.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Trump supports the idea of a diesel export ban.
- The US government is examining the feasibility of a full or partial ban.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright opposes the measure.
- Diesel is used internationally for transport, agriculture and industry.
Left
Arguments The government must protect consumers and vulnerable sectors from fuel poverty and extreme price rises. An export ban could at most be considered temporarily alongside price support, energy saving and the acceleration of alternatives to fossil fuels.
Values Affordability, protection of households, the climate transition and public direction.
Consequences A ban could ease political pressure in the short term, but risks causing international shortages and higher prices elsewhere.
Centre
Arguments The preference is for targeted measures, strategic reserves and transparent market information. A broad export ban should be introduced only after an independent impact assessment and should remain temporary.
Values Market stability, proportionality, international cooperation and feasibility.
Consequences A limited measure could provide scope to respond to acute shortages, while a broad ban could disrupt refining and trade.
Right
Arguments US energy production should primarily serve American households, farmers and businesses. Export restrictions are defensible if foreign demand makes energy unaffordable for domestic consumers.
Values National energy security, low costs, economic sovereignty and protection of domestic industry.
Consequences The measure could win domestic political support, but increases the risk of retaliation, lower production and higher prices in the longer term.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The contrast between Trump's support and Wright's warning can be found directly in public reporting. The possible effects on European markets are presented as risks and scenarios.
- confirmed Trump supports the idea of an American diesel export ban. — Reuters quotes Trump's statement of 22 September 2026. source
- confirmed Scott Bessent said that the feasibility of a full or partial ban was being examined. — Included in the same Reuters report. source
- confirmed Chris Wright says that a ban would not work and could raise petrol and aviation fuel prices. — Reuters report of Wright's statement on 23 September. source
- confirmed Diesel is used for transport, agriculture and industry. — The role of diesel in these sectors is described by industry organisations and in the Reuters context. source
Editor's note
Support has been expressed for investigating a ban, but no final decision has yet been taken. The effects on European prices are scenarios, not established outcomes.Sources
- Trump says he backs the idea of a ban on diesel exports — Reuters via Investing.com
- US Energy Secretary Wright says diesel export ban would not work — Reuters via MarketScreener
- Why a diesel export ban would backfire — American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
- A Diesel Export Ban Would Wreak Havoc at Home and Abroad — American Petroleum Institute
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „diesel donald trump”
- Trouw — „diesel donald trump”
- RTL Nieuws — „diesel donald trump”