Donald Trump’s attempts to ease America’s diesel crisis faced another setback as fuel prices climbed ahead of November’s midterm elections. His administration rolled out billions in farm aid and trucker relief, but drivers and farmers still struggled with rising costs.
The measures also carried political risks, from mounting federal spending to controversy over Russian fuel sanctions. With Republicans defending narrow congressional majorities, the administration faced growing pressure to deliver relief before voters headed to the polls.
Why US diesel remains expensive despite new federal interventions
According to Reuters, diesel prices rose nearly 10 cents per gallon in the latest week, reaching an average of $6.28. The increase reversed two weeks of declines and left prices near record highs, according to the Energy Information Administration. An October Reuters/Ipsos poll found nearly 80% of Americans blamed Trump for higher costs. The pressure was particularly sharp in Republican-leaning Farm Belt states, where fuel expenses, fertilizer prices and trade disruptions frustrated farmers.
Trump signed an executive order in Nebraska allowing red-dyed diesel, normally reserved for off-road use, in highway vehicles. However, the IRS only temporarily waived certain reporting requirements and penalties through year-end. NATSO lobbyist David Fialkov called the guidance “murky” and warned it carried too much risk. “I really don’t see any of these dyed diesel announcements making a meaningful dent in diesel prices,” he said.
The president also announced $8 billion in new farm aid during a Kansas rally. The payments would push total government assistance to a record $55.4 billion, surpassing the $45 billion high recorded in 2020. Yet the money would not directly fix fuel and fertilizer supply disruptions.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew called the latest package “the second round of emergency aid this year to address losses that were largely foreseeable.” The Agriculture Department had not clarified payment timing or allocation details. Trump also eased sanctions on Russian diesel, drawing bipartisan criticism over potential benefits to Moscow’s war effort. He defended the move as a way to encourage Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations and secure American prisoner Stephen Hubbard.
Meanwhile, analysts identified the Iran conflict as the larger driver of disrupted oil flows and tighter fuel supplies. Edward Fishman of the Council on Foreign Relations called the administration’s focus on Ukraine “a blame-shifting kind of scapegoating operation.” Pollster Chris Borick also questioned whether the policies offered meaningful short-term relief. With Election Day approaching, Trump’s diesel price changes efforts remained costly, controversial and uncertain.
