By: NATHAN STUEDLE
Record-high diesel prices are prompting discussion in Washington about restricting U.S. fuel exports. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he is open to considering a diesel export ban as policymakers look for ways to ease domestic fuel costs. Diesel has climbed above six dollars a gallon nationally, with tight global supplies driven by Middle East disruptions and attacks on Russian refining capacity.
Thune said if the United States has domestic supply being exported, temporarily keeping more of that fuel at home is worth considering. But administration officials have questioned whether an export ban would actually lower prices. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said this week that restricting U.S. oil or fuel exports would be unlikely to reduce consumer energy costs and could produce trade retaliation. For agriculture, the debate comes as elevated diesel prices continue increasing the cost of fieldwork and transportation.