President Trump remarked on Sunday that the surge in diesel prices is linked to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries, urging President Volodymyr Zelensky to put an end to these operations.
“Zelensky has to do one thing — he has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump stated at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland.
He emphasized, “This isn’t done by the Middle East; it’s driven by the situation between Russia and Ukraine.”
According to recent data from AAA, the national average for diesel in the U.S. has hit a record $6.06 per gallon. For context, the previous peak was $5.82 per gallon back in June 2022, right after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Just a few months ago, in March, the average cost was below $4 per gallon.
While most vehicles run on gasoline, diesel is crucial for the economy, powering trucks, agricultural machinery, trains, and large vessels. An increase in diesel prices can lead to higher costs for a variety of consumer goods.
Recently, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil and gas refineries in a bid to undermine the Kremlin’s significant revenue stream.
These actions have led Moscow to prohibit diesel exports.
Add to that, Iran and its partners have also targeted refineries in the Gulf, resulting in a production decline.
The impact of these events has been an 8% reduction in global diesel supply, according to CNBC, and U.S. refineries are currently operating at full capacity, around 98%.
Trump mentioned having discussions with the Ukrainian president, suggesting there are “plenty of other targets,” and underlined that the U.S. prefers Kyiv to avoid strikes on diesel facilities.
“Don’t hit diesel fuel because that’s hurting the world,” Trump remarked.
Meanwhile, Kyiv asserts that these long-range operations against Russian energy resources are essential to countering Moscow’s aggression.
