Chamber of Commerce, oil groups urge Trump to reject diesel export ban

American business, energy and manufacturing groups on Wednesday urged President Trump to reject calls to impose a diesel export ban after the president said he was weighing this move in an effort to bring down rising fuel costs.

Over 30 groups urged the president in a letter to “reject calls to ban or otherwise limit the exports of diesel” and other U.S. energy products.

“Export bans would lead to less fuel production, tighter supplies, and rising costs for American families, farmers, and truckers.”

National business associations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Petroleum Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers and state groups from across the nation signed on to the request.

The Trump administration is under mounting pressure to bring down fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections, in which polling has repeatedly indicated that affordability is a top issue for voters. Domestic gas prices have been driven up by global energy shortages tied to the Iran war.

The business groups warned in their Wednesday letter that a diesel export ban would ultimately lead to increased costs and “retaliatory actions from other countries.”

“Beyond price impacts, restricting exports would be a gift to our competitors,” the groups added. “American energy dominance comes from being a reliable supplier to the world. If we pull back, other countries will step in, our influence will shrink, and our adversaries will gain ground. America’s energy exports are a source of economic and geopolitical strength.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the White House denied reporting from Politico that cited five people familiar with discussions to impose a 90-day ban on diesel exports.

The press office referred The Hill to Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s comments to The Wall Street Journal , in which Wright said the administration would seek an alternative approach to bring costs down.

When reached for comment about this new letter, a White House official said “the President always makes the decision that is best for the American people.”

“He wants to see gas prices at the pump fall and is evaluating all the options on the table,” the official added.