Trump Blames Ukraine for Diesel Prices as Iran War Drives Oil Costs

Trump made the comments Sunday during a visit to Ireland, calling on Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russian diesel-producing facilities. The president attributed the fuel shortage to Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, while reports indicate that the attacks have reduced Russian fuel production and contributed to Moscow’s restrictions on diesel exports. The dispute highlights the competing economic and military consequences of targeting energy facilities during the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The increase in diesel prices has also coincided with the war involving the United States and Iran, which began in late February and has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. diesel prices have risen above $6 per gallon, while oil prices have climbed amid concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East. Trump has said he is not concerned about oil prices, but the rise in fuel costs has affected transportation, agriculture and other industries that rely on diesel. The competing pressures from the Iran conflict and attacks on Russian refineries have intensified concerns about global energy supplies and the cost of fuel for consumers and businesses.