Monday, Sep 21, 2026
1 Trump Pressures Ukraine to End Refinery Strikes After US Diesel Hits Record $6.51 a Gallon 🛢️ Commodity Sep 21, 6:26 AM EDT 70/33
U.S. diesel prices jumped 76% over the last year, with AAA data showing a sharp climb in fuel costs for drivers. Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a phone call Sunday to stop attacks on Russian oil facilities to alleviate a global diesel shortage that pushed prices to a record $6.51 per gallon. Trump claimed on Truth Social that Russia lost control of its diesel industry after a large number of refineries were blown up and rendered temporarily out of commission.
Russia will extend a ban on most diesel exports beyond September 30 as Ukraine continues its campaign against energy infrastructure. Trump and Zelenskyy agreed to meet in New York on Tuesday to discuss potential de-escalation steps and energy security. The U.S. president noted that the conflict kills roughly 25,000 people every month, mostly soldiers.