Is a Diesel Export Ban Coming?

The recent spike in diesel fuel prices to a record high of $6.53 per gallon is causing concern among farmers and truckers. The U.S. exports around 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily, and some Republicans are pushing for a temporary halt on diesel exports to retain more fuel domestically. Recent reports indicate the Trump administration is considering a 90-day ban on diesel exports. Mike Sommers, President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, argues against the ban, stating it could lead to higher prices for both diesel and gasoline due to refining constraints globally. He emphasizes that the diesel produced in the Gulf Coast cannot be transported to other parts of the U.S. due to infrastructure limitations, suggesting that a ban might force more U.S. refineries to close, exacerbating the problem. Sommers advocates for alternative measures to reduce fuel prices.