Trump calls global diesel shortage a ‘Russia problem’ as prices hit over $6 per gallon in US

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, September 27, attributed the global diesel shortage in part to attacks on Russian refineries by Ukraine, calling the situation a “Russia problem” and saying his administration was “seriously” considering a US diesel export ban.

Trump also said he had urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ease attacks on Russian refining facilities, while warning that such strikes could contribute to broader fuel disruptions. Trump's characterization of the situation came as Louisiana also declared a state of emergency over record diesel prices during the harvest season.

Trump points to Russian refinery attacks as diesel ban is considered

Addressing the diesel shortage, Trump told reporters that disruptions at Russian refineries were a key factor behind the current pressure on global supplies and prices.

“The big problem is the refineries in Russia are being blown up. This isn't really a Middle Eastern problem. This is more of a Russia problem, that Ukraine and Russia are going at it, and Ukraine is blowing up diesel refineries in Russia because they do a lot of the refining,” Trump said.

Trump said he had raised the issue directly with Zelenskyy and urged him to reduce attacks on Russian refineries, citing concerns about their effect on fuel markets.

“And I spoke to President Zelensky. I said, You got to take it easy on the refineries. What did he say? He said, Well, we'll probably do that. Because we're causing a world problem. There are other things you can do,” Trump said.

The president also reiterated that the administration was examining a potential ban on US diesel exports. He acknowledged that restricting exports could have effects on gasoline prices because refineries produce multiple petroleum products.

“Well, we're thinking about it (diesel export ban) very seriously. That can oftentimes lead to a little bit of an increase on gasoline for cars. So we're looking at it very seriously. We may do it,” Trump said.

Trump had also backed the idea earlier in the week, stating that “I’ve said let’s not send ‌out the diesel. ‌We make a lot of diesel … I’ve called for it. ‌I’ve called for it within my people.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said officials were examining whether a full or partial restriction would be feasible given US refining capacity.

Global diesel shortage pushes US fuel prices higher

The administration's discussions to ease the pressure on Americans came amid a wider shortage that has pushed diesel prices higher across major global markets. The problem has arisen as conflicts in Iran and Ukraine have disrupted supplies from major producing regions, including Russia and the Middle East, while inventories have fallen to historically low levels.

US diesel prices have risen above $6 per gallon, while the Energy Information Administration has forecast that US distillate inventories will remain below the five-year range through the end of 2026 and most of 2027.

Louisiana declares diesel emergency during harvest season

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared the emergency on September 23 and temporarily allowed farmers and timber harvesters to use dyed diesel, normally reserved for off-road vehicles, in certain highway vehicles through October 22.