Airlines for America is the latest stakeholder to oppose the US diesel export ban plan by the Trump administration. The airline group thus joins a long list of American business groups in pointing out the potential damages of such an initiative.
In the lead-up to the midterms, the Trump Administration has been preparing a 90-day US diesel export ban. The war against Iran launched by the Trump administration in February and Ukrainian attacks against Russian refineries have been driving diesel prices to record highs over the course of 2026. The move is an attempt to bring down the soaring energy prices and the damaging impact they might have on the election results for the Republicans.
“I’ve said let’s not send out the diesel. We make a lot of diesel. I’ve called for it within my people. I’ve been talking about it,” Trump stated during the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump says he will likely implement an EXPORT BAN on DIESEL FUEL imminently
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 22, 2026
This would be a HUGE relief for our farmers, who are STRUGGLING with increasing diesel prices, which is a result of refineries being blown up in the Russia-Ukraine War
US… pic.twitter.com/PrNLBcoDgs
If the measure goes through, it would be the first time for diesel exports to be restricted since 2015, when the Obama administration put an end to a decades-old ban. However, the ban is not yet in place and allegedly, some administration officials are still trying to turn things around.
Industry stakeholders, too, have massively spoken out against the measure. According to them, the ban might initially lead to lower prices. Stocks intended for export will be pumped into the American market, thus increasing the offer and lowering the price. However, the ban is eventually likely to cause a price increase, as oil refinery will supposedly slow down as soon as the international demand disappears.
“We urge you to reject calls to ban or otherwise limit the exports of diesel and other products that have made the U.S. energy industry so strong. With 10 percent of global refining capacity offline, U.S. refiners are running at full capacity to supply the U.S. and to help stabilise global fuel markets. The U.S. produces more diesel than it consumes, allowing us to meet domestic demand and to supply our allies in Latin America and Europe. U.S. crude oil exports have likewise helped keep refineries running in other parts of the world as disruptions occurred through the Strait of Hormuz,” some of the biggest business groups in the US wrote in a letter addressed to President Donald Trump on 23 September 2026.
The U.S. supplies about 20% of diesel traded globally by sea. An export ban would remove that supply from that market, exacerbating the global refining crisis responsible for high fuel prices. pic.twitter.com/amNi3Odrwb
— American Petroleum Institute (@APIenergy) September 23, 2026
The open letter was signed by organisation such as the Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, and National Association of Manufacturers.
On 24 September 2026, Airlines for America, which represents carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, joined the opposition against the ban. The CEO of the airline group, Chris Sununu, stated to have spoken with the US Departments of Energy and Interior in order to address his concerns.
“The chain reaction of issues that it causes – the prices don’t go down,” Sununu told Reuters.
At the moment of writing, it is yet unclear whether or not the Trump administration will effectively put a ban in place.
