U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian leadership to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes are intensifying a global diesel shortage. The request comes as American fuel costs surged past $6 per gallon for the first time in history, driven by supply chain disruptions from conflicts in both Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Speaking during a state visit to Ireland on Sunday, Trump emphasized the need to protect fuel supplies. “Mr. Zelenskyy has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump stated. “Let him go after targets but not diesel fuel because he’s causing a shortage of diesel. This isn’t done by the Middle East; this is done by what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine.”
Kyiv has increasingly targeted Russian energy infrastructure over the past four-and-a-half years of conflict, aiming to raise the financial cost of the war for Moscow. These operations have significantly degraded Russia’s refining capacity, leading to domestic fuel scarcity. In response, the Kremlin extended its ban on diesel exports through the end of September in an effort to stabilize local supplies.
A representative for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment immediately upon contact by CNBC.
The diplomatic push coincides with record-breaking energy prices in the United States. According to AAA data, the national average for diesel reached $6.06 per gallon on Friday. The price hike has placed a heavy burden on commercial truckers and agricultural workers, who are now paying approximately 63% more than they did at this time last year.
Brent crude futures rose 2.1% to $106.69 per barrel on Monday morning, continuing a monthly rally of over 20%. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for October delivery climbed 2.1% to $102.15, marking its first time above the $100 threshold since May.
Compounding the volatility, recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and Iranian assaults on maritime vessels in the Gulf have heightened fears regarding energy security. A drone strike on Friday temporarily halted operations at Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, a critical asset that allows crude to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukraine maintains that Russian refineries constitute legitimate military objectives, citing fears of renewed Russian strikes on its own energy grid ahead of an anticipated harsh winter.
I remember when gas was two dollars. Where did all this money go? Inflation is brutal right now.
Wait, so we’re asking a sovereign nation to stop defending itself because of our fuel costs? Makes sense, right?
It’s ironic to blame Ukraine for gas prices when the U.S. is supplying the weapons used in these strikes.
Six dollars for diesel? That’s unsustainable for truckers and farmers alike. Something has to give here.