Houston – In remarks to reporters at a G20 energy meeting on Monday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who was appointed by President Trump, said a ban on U.S. oil or fuel exports would not help bring down the price of gasoline or diesel for American drivers.
“We would consider an export ban if we thought that actually might lower prices, but that’s not the case,” Burgum told the press. He added that such a ban could provoke retaliatory measures from other nations, potentially harming consumers in states that rely on imported energy, such as California.
Potential fallout for California and other states
Burgum explained, “We stop exporting product, and then somebody says, ‘We’re not going to export to California.'” He noted that California has already shut several oil refineries, a move that has contributed to the state’s historically high gasoline and diesel prices.
“California already has the highest prices in the country for gas and diesel anyway, because of their policies, we wouldn’t want … to exacerbate that,” Burgum said.
Context of rising diesel costs
The comments come as diesel prices have surged to a record above $6 per gallon nationwide, with even higher numbers reported in California. With the midterm elections looming in November, the Trump administration is under pressure to find ways to ease the burden on motorists.
In addition to weighing export restrictions, the White House is exploring the use of the Cold War‑era Defense Production Act to boost U.S. refining capacity, a step that could increase domestic supply and help stabilize prices.
Why an export ban is unlikely to help
Burgum stressed that cutting off exports would reduce the amount of product available on the global market, potentially driving up world prices and prompting other countries to limit imports from the United States. Such a scenario would ultimately raise, rather than lower, the cost of fuel for American consumers.
He also pointed out that the United States already exports a significant share of its crude oil and refined products, and that maintaining those export channels supports jobs in the energy sector and contributes to the overall health of the economy.
Administration stance
The Trump administration remains focused on policies that protect American families from soaring energy costs while preserving the nation’s energy independence. By rejecting an export ban, the administration aims to keep the flow of oil and refined fuels steady, protect jobs, and avoid unnecessary retaliation from foreign governments.
“Our goal is to keep fuel affordable for hardworking Americans while ensuring our energy industry remains competitive and resilient,” Burgum concluded.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
