<p>The Trump administration is facing pressure to lower diesel prices, with rural Republicans calling for a ban on diesel exports ahead of the November elections.</p>
<p>Several Republicans in rural districts, who are in competitive races, have urged the White House to take action on high gas and diesel prices attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Diesel prices reached a record high of $6.50 per gallon on Monday, while gasoline averaged $5.01, according to AAA.</p>
<p>Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) initiated the calls for a ban on diesel exports, directly addressing President Trump and suggesting an embargo similar to those imposed in the 1970s on agricultural products due to inflated food prices. Grassley stated, “High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME” in a post on X.</p>
<p>Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), who is campaigning for a Senate seat against Democratic nominee Josh Turek, emphasized the need for Republicans to explore all options to alleviate high prices. Hinson proposed measures including suspending the gas tax, pausing diesel exports, expanding E-15 fuel availability, reinstating the $1/gallon biodiesel tax credit, and creating a diesel relief program for farmers and truckers facing high costs.</p>
<p>The increase in fuel prices, driven by the conflict and disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, has particularly affected rural states, where farmers and the agricultural sector were already struggling due to previous tariffs that disrupted supply chains.</p>
<p>An Iowa Republican operative noted that as the harvest season approaches, Republican candidates are receiving increased feedback from voters regarding the need for action on energy prices. The operative remarked that while this may not lead to direct criticism of President Trump, there is a growing disagreement with some of his policies.</p>
<p>Calls for a ban on diesel exports also included demands from GOP members to seek an end to the Iran conflict. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) issued a statement advocating for immediate suspension of federal and state gas taxes, prioritizing diesel sales for Americans, and providing relief to farmers and truckers. Miller-Meeks, along with Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), supported a resolution urging Trump to end the war, with Nunn stating, “We have to bring down the price of diesel.”</p>
<p>Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers from Michigan echoed the sentiment that the Iran conflict must conclude to reduce costs, emphasizing that families cannot afford to wait for relief.</p>
<p>The calls for a ban on diesel exports come 42 days before the elections, and the GOP operative indicated that this issue could serve as a talking point for candidates, allowing them to claim they urged the president to take action. The operative suggested that a more effective message would be to assert that they successfully influenced the president to temporarily halt exports to provide relief for farmers.</p>
<p>As the Iran conflict continues without a clear resolution, the Trump administration has stated it is not considering an export ban or restrictions at this time, according to a White House official.</p>
<p>Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reported that President Trump had discussed the high costs of gas and diesel with her earlier, and she anticipated an announcement regarding potential actions from the administration soon. Rollins stated, “Every tool in the tool kit is being evaluated right now, and we will continue to do that.”</p>