Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other Republican lawmakers have called on the Trump administration to consider a ban on diesel exports as national average prices reached record levels above $6.50 per gallon.

Thune stated on September 15 that he is open to exploring the measure if it would increase domestic supply and ease price pressure. The South Dakota Republican noted that the United States is exporting significant volumes of the fuel while domestic needs remain high, particularly in agriculture and trucking sectors.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa reinforced the push on September 20, urging President Trump to impose an embargo on diesel exports similar to past agricultural restrictions. Grassley highlighted how elevated diesel costs are eroding farmers' incomes in key states.

Diesel prices have climbed sharply due to strong U.S. export volumes, refinery utilization near capacity, and disruptions from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The national average stood at approximately $6.51 per gallon as of September 20, compared to about $3.70 a year earlier.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has expressed skepticism, stating that an export ban would likely not lower retail prices. The administration has instead emphasized long-term energy production increases and control over key shipping routes.

Analysts warn that any ban could require congressional action and might disrupt global markets without delivering sustained domestic relief. Republicans face added pressure ahead of November midterms, as high fuel costs affect rural and working-class voters who form a core part of the party's base.

The debate marks a shift for some in the party traditionally supportive of free trade and energy exports, driven by immediate economic strains on American producers and consumers ahead of the coming November midterm elections.