Washington — President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance on the soaring diesel price, now at $6.23 per gallon, attributing the spike to recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. In remarks on Sunday, Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian refineries, warning that the actions are creating a global diesel shortage that hurts American families and businesses.
Trump’s Call for Immediate Action
“He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia. Let him go after targets, but not diesel fuel, because he’s causing a shortage of diesel,” the President said, emphasizing the need to protect the supply chain that moves goods across the nation.
The president’s criticism comes as the Senate and House prepare to vote on a bipartisan Russia‑and‑Iran sanctions bill named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The legislation, which passed the Senate last month, would empower the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the world’s top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, intensifying pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war.
Legislative Momentum
Lawmakers are back in Washington for a short session before heading out to campaign for the upcoming midterm elections. The Senate, returning from its August recess, will meet for the next three weeks, while the House plans a brief session this week before a longer recess.
On Monday, the House Rules Committee will move the Graham‑named sanctions package forward for a full vote, likely this week. The bill also extends certain sanctions on Iran, reflecting President Trump’s request to add Iran to the measure.
Economic Impact and Administration Outlook
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), diesel prices have surged about 66% since February, when the Trump administration, alongside Israel, launched the Iran war. Regular gasoline is also up, with AAA reporting a price of $4.32 per gallon—a 36% increase over the previous year.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently projected that gas prices would fall significantly as the Trump administration steps up domestic production. While some experts remain skeptical, the administration’s focus on expanding American energy output and enforcing strong sanctions aims to bring relief to drivers and freight operators alike.
Why This Matters to Families
Diesel fuels the trucks that deliver groceries, building materials, and everyday necessities. Higher diesel costs translate into higher prices at the checkout, affecting family budgets across the country. By targeting the root causes of the shortage—foreign aggression and sanctions‑evasion—the Trump administration is working to protect American households.
President Trump’s firm message to Ukraine underscores a broader strategy: defend American economic interests while holding adversaries accountable. The upcoming vote on the Graham sanctions bill represents a concrete step toward that goal.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
