A sharp rise in diesel fuel prices is squeezing businesses and risking broader economic cost increases, creating urgency for policy responses. With midterm elections approaching, some Republican lawmakers are advocating for a diesel export ban to ease pressure at the pump, adding political weight to the issue. The situation is testing the administration’s ability to address fuel costs before voters head to the polls.
A rapid surge in the price of diesel fuel is straining businesses and threatening to raise costs across the economy. It's also putting pressure on President Trump to bring relief at the pump, including through a diesel export ban that's been pushed by some Republican lawmakers ahead of November's midterm elections. William Brangham reports.
