Republicans Sound Alarm on Diesel Prices

Republican lawmakers are turning up the volume on diesel prices, warning that the surge is squeezing farmers and truckers across the country, reports the Washington Post. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, who farms corn and soybeans, wrote on X over the weekend that sky-high prices are "killing farmers income" and questioned why President Trump hasn't considered an embargo on diesel exports similar to steps taken during the 1970s oil shocks. Diesel prices are at record highs, having eclipsed $6.50 a gallon nationally, notes Bloomberg. And analysts see little relief in sight for the fuel that keeps tractors, combines, and 18-wheelers running as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East disrupt global refining and supplies.

Grassley is not alone in the GOP in calling for restrictions in diesel exports to keep more in the US and, in theory, push down prices here. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee has introduced a bill to curb exports, and Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota says Republicans are examining an export ban, among other options. "If that would take pressure off of prices," Thune said, "I'm open to exploring it." The price has risen more than 40 cents over the last week alone, notes the Hill. The outlet suggests that the spike could hurt Republicans in the midterms if voters hit by rising energy costs blame them or Trump.