Key facts
- National average diesel price is above $6 per gallon.
- Russia had previously banned diesel exports due to production disruptions.
- Restarting idled refineries requires significant time and money.
The U.S. Department of Energy has urged refiners to increase diesel fuel production to combat record-high prices, which are currently above $6 per gallon. Officials are in discussions with domestic and international refiners. The Trump administration's efforts include waiving sanctions on Russian diesel exports, leading Russia to lift its previous ban. However, analysts suggest the agreed volumes are insufficient to significantly impact prices. Other measures being pursued involve a temporary removal of federal tax on red-dye diesel and an $8 billion fuel aid program. The Defense Production Act has also been invoked to incentivize refiners to restart idle plants, though this process is expected to be time-consuming and costly.