Iowa Corn Growers Call for Diesel Relief Amid War-Driven Price Spike

Iowa corn growers are calling on the state's congressional delegation to help lower diesel fuel costs as harvest season begins. The Iowa Corn Growers Association sent a letter to Iowa's senators and representatives, citing rising diesel prices due to trade disruptions caused by the war in Iran.

Average diesel prices in Iowa have risen to $6.27 per gallon, nearly twice as expensive as this time last year, according to AAA data. The association is asking lawmakers to push the Trump administration to release more oil from the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserve, which was approved in March but has only released 172 million barrels so far.

Some Iowa representatives are backing an embargo on diesel exports to provide relief for American farmers and truckers. Sen. Chuck Grassley called for a ban on diesel exports, which President Donald Trump has agreed to support. However, others argue that an export ban won't help lower fuel prices.