Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) called on President Donald Trump to impose an embargo on diesel fuel exports, citing record-high prices that are straining agricultural operations across the Midwest. The Iowa lawmaker pointed to a local average of $6.57 per gallon in his state as evidence that domestic supply is being drained by foreign demand.
A White House official stated Monday that the administration has no plans to ban or restrict diesel exports, leaving Grassley’s proposal without immediate executive support. The request comes as fuel costs continue to climb nationwide, with AAA reporting that the national average for diesel reached a record $6.51 per gallon on Monday.
Fuel Costs Drive Political Friction
Rising energy prices have intensified pressure on Republican lawmakers ahead of the November midterm elections. Seven House Republicans voted last week to end military operations in Iran unless Congress provides explicit authorization for further action. Among those breaking with the party line are Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), who face competitive races this fall.
The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global shipping lanes, particularly through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels are engaged in fighting. The State Department issued a safety alert Saturday warning U.S. citizens in the region to exercise heightened vigilance due to potential escalation, flight cancellations, and airspace closures.
President Trump blamed Russia’s war in Ukraine for the skyrocketing diesel prices on Truth Social Monday. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance suggested that states consider suspending gas taxes to help reduce energy costs for consumers.
Congressional Pushback Grows
Democratic senators are preparing to force votes on ending what they describe as an unauthorized military campaign. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said he will push for weekly votes to stop the war until it succeeds. “We’re gonna force a vote to end this illegal war every week until we succeed,” Kaine said.
Criticism of Pentagon leadership has also emerged from within the Republican Party. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week, arguing that the secretary’s handling of the conflict warrants removal. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) echoed those concerns, stating that Hegseth needs to leave his position.
Inflation Data Shows Energy Spike
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation rose in August, driven largely by fuel costs. The consumer price index showed a 3.9% increase in the cost of all types of gasoline and fuel oil from July to August. Over the past 12 months, prices for all energy commodities and services have risen by 16.3%.
National average gasoline prices were just over $4.47 per gallon on Monday, up significantly from $3.18 a year ago. Diesel costs have increased nearly $1 since last month, jumping from just over $3.69 per gallon twelve months prior.
President Trump may meet with Iranian officials during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City this week. He told Fox News he is open to meeting Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian as negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz continue.