Trump Blames Ukraine for Diesel Price Spike Amid Russia-Ukraine War

Lawmakers in Washington are taking action to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end Russia's war with Ukraine. The Senate passed a bipartisan sanctions package last month, which aims to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the world's top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas.

The bill, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, also includes an extension of certain sanctions on Iran at the request of President Donald Trump. On Sunday, Trump called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure, claiming the attacks are contributing to a global diesel shortage.

'He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,' Trump said. 'Let him go after targets, but not diesel fuel, because he's causing a shortage of diesel.'

Diesel prices have surged to $6.23 per gallon, according to AAA, marking about a 66% increase compared to February when the Iran war began. The president claimed Ukraine's recent actions are having a larger impact on the global supply of diesel than the war in Iran.

AAA is also reporting that the price of regular gas is $4.32 per gallon, a 36% increase compared to one year ago. Energy Secretary Chris Wright had predicted gas prices would decrease significantly as the Trump administration takes steps to increase production, but some experts are skeptical about whether drivers will experience relief soon.