Nicolai Haugsted
Trump urged to help American farmers as diesel prices climb to record levels.
American farmers have long been among the Republican Party’s most reliable supporters. Record diesel prices are now putting that relationship under pressure.
Farmers are being squeezed by expensive fuel, tariffs and higher production costs, prompting Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley – a longtime Trump ally – to demand action from the president.
Grassley wants Trump to suspend US diesel exports to keep more fuel at home and potentially lower prices.
“High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME,” Grassley wrote over the weekend according to The Guardian.
Grassley wants American diesel kept at home
Grassley compared his proposal with US restrictions on strategically important exports to China.
“If our govt can embargo chips to China it can embargo diesel to help American farmers & truckers,” he wrote.
“We need our family farmers who feed&fuel the world 2b on the strongest footing possible no matter what’s happening across the globe.”
Energy officials and industry groups dispute whether such a move would actually reduce prices, warning that export restrictions could disrupt refinery markets.
Diesel prices are hammering farmers
AAA put the national average diesel price at $6.51 per gallon on September 21, compared with roughly $3.70 a year earlier.
Iowa’s average stood at about $6.31.
Such increases hit agriculture particularly hard because diesel powers tractors, combines and the trucks transporting crops and livestock.
Global supply disruptions linked to the Iran war have contributed to the surge.
Pressure is also coming from other Republicans representing agricultural areas as November’s midterm elections approach.
Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson has called for several measures to reduce fuel costs.
“Iowans are being squeezed and shouldn’t have to foot the bill at the pump or the checkout line for the war in Iran. These actions to lower costs are needed ASAP, and the war needs to be brought to a successful and immediate end,” Hinson said.
Farmers have more than diesel to complain about
Trump’s tariffs have raised costs for some machinery, components and agricultural supplies, adding to pressure from high interest rates and weak commodity prices.
Beef has created another dispute.
The administration has increased access for foreign beef in an effort to lower grocery prices, while some US cattle producers argue that additional imports make it harder for domestic farmers to compete.
Growing frustration matters politically because rural communities have formed an important part of Trump’s electoral coalition.
White House promises action soon
Trump’s administration has so far resisted calls for a diesel export ban.
“We would consider an export ban if we thought that actually might lower prices, but that’s not the case,” Energy Secretary Doug Burgum said.
