Prices

Across the country, federal and state “superfund” legislation and various lawsuits are seeking to impose financial liability on U.S. energy companies for the global effects of climate change. A cumulative cost for such policies and legal actions (and clarity around who might actually pay) has been hard to come by… until recently.

Diesel is the fuel of the global economy. It powers agriculture, heavy shipping and freight. Diesel costs, therefore, trickle down and get reflected throughout the economy, so it’s no wonder Americans and consumers everywhere want to know what’s going right now with diesel.

A diesel export ban wouldn't just affect fuel markets overseas, tighten domestic fuel supplies or hurt the economic engine of American energy manufacturing in the Gulf Coast. It would expose some of the United States’ most energy-dependent regions to retaliation and even greater energy supply disruptions. The U.S. Northeast and West Coasts are the most vulnerable if this were to happen.

We’ve shared why a diesel export ban could mean less U.S. fuel production and higher prices. Now, a growing chorus of experts, analysts and administration officials is sounding the same warning specifically for gasoline: an export ban could push prices at the pump higher.

Part 4 of our ongoing series sharing expert perspectives on why a diesel export ban (or a ban on U.S. crude oil or any American-made fuels) would backfire spectacularly.

A diesel export ban may sound like a way to lower fuel costs. In reality, it could actually raise gasoline prices. Blocking diesel exports would eventually force refiners to cut fuel production overall, including gasoline, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing America's reliance on imported fuel. Here’s why.

We’ve already shared a pair of blog posts featuring perspectives from experts, analysts, reporters and even some current/former administration officials on why an export ban on U.S. crude oil or American-made diesel, gasoline and refined products would be a costly mistake. Now, we’re sharing even more perspectives, and the fact there are so many tells you all you need to know about why an export ban would backfire.

Previously, we shared perspectives from experts, analysts, reporters and even some current (and former) administration officials on why an export ban on U.S. crude oil or American-made diesel, gasoline and refined products would be a grave mistake. Instead of cutting prices for consumers, it would result in less U.S. fuel production, tighter supplies, greater energy security risks and higher prices. Here are even more perspectives on why an export ban is the wrong move for U.S. energy security.

It may seem logical that if the United States stops exporting diesel, more fuel will stay here and prices will fall. But more diesel in the United States does not necessarily mean lower prices at the pump, especially when the United States is not facing a shortage of diesel. If refiners cannot export or economically store surplus diesel, some could reduce production, which tightens supplies, puts upward pressure on fuel prices and weakens U.S. energy security.