Grassley urges Trump to ban diesel exports amid high fuel prices

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley (R) urged President Donald Trump to impose an embargo on diesel exports this past Saturday, citing the steep rise in fuel prices. In a social‑media post posted Saturday night, Grassley asked, “why doesn’t Pres Trump put an embargo on diesel exports like presidents in the 70s put embargoes on agriculture products bc [because] food prices were inflated.” The senator’s message was aimed at curbing the impact of high diesel costs on consumers and businesses across the country.

Grassley’s comparison to the 1970s embargo on agricultural commodities—implemented to tame runaway food inflation—highlights the senator’s view that restricting diesel exports could help stabilize domestic prices. Iowa, a major producer of both corn and soybeans, has long been sensitive to energy costs that affect farming operations. The call comes amid growing concerns that unchecked export of domestic diesel is contributing to higher retail prices at pumps.

No official response from the Trump administration has yet been issued regarding the request. The proposal adds to the broader debate over federal intervention in energy markets and the role of export controls in managing domestic supply and price volatility.