White House weighs diesel export ban as US retail fuel reaches $6.53 per gallon

The White House is evaluating a potential diesel export ban alongside tax relief and Jones Act waivers to curb soaring domestic energy costs ahead of midterm elections. Retail diesel prices have surged over 70% above pre-conflict levels to $6.53 per gallon, while Brent crude has traded above $102 per barrel. Crude prices are up nearly 40% amid Middle East tensions, Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and Russian refinery outages. Although agricultural lawmakers urge export restrictions, oil executives and cabinet officials warn a ban could paradoxically increase domestic prices and disrupt European supplies.