White House weighs moves to lower diesel prices
September 29, 2026
In the latest effort to bring diesel prices down, the White House is considering regulatory relief that would allow broader sales of red-dyed diesel. The move could allow some buyers to avoid the federal diesel tax. President Trump has supported a ban on diesel exports, but the proposal has faced widespread opposition from the oil industry and other parts of the business community.
The administration is also seeking voluntary commitments from major refiners to limit diesel exports. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has contacted executives at several major refiners to gauge their willingness to participate. A White House official said no final decisions have been made, but the president is weighing all options to lower prices.
President Donald Trump said Monday that U.S. officials had spoken with mediators seeking to end the conflict between Washington and Iran, adding that the U.S. will win the Iran war “very soon.”
Iran has insisted that diplomacy is the only way to resolve the conflict involving the U.S. and Israel after Trump said he rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Our conditions are clear, and any move toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on these conditions being met.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation finalized vehicle fuel economy standards sharply lower in the latest Trump administration effort to encourage sales of gasoline-powered vehicles and reverse former President Joe Biden’s push toward greater fuel efficiency and electric vehicles.
Kpler data showed crude oil exports from key Middle Eastern producers rebounded in September to 12.8 million barrels per day, the highest level since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began in February. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were among the countries that increased exports.
Trade sources said Indian refiners expect Russian oil supplies to tighten further in October and November due to reduced exports and increased competition from China.