Experts Question Effectiveness of Trump's Diesel Initiative
WHO:
Vox - President Trump signed an executive order.
Alternet - CNN analyst Matt Egan provided analysis on the diesel initiative.
WHAT:
Alternet - Diesel prices are projected to increase by nearly 80 percent this year, marking the largest annual increase since AAA began tracking diesel prices.
Alternet - CNN analyst Matt Egan stated that the executive order signed by Trump is a "pre-election tax holiday" that only defers tax payments rather than eliminating them completely.
Alternet - Egan noted that the cost of filling up an 18-wheeler is currently almost $1,600, and the executive order may only reduce this cost by about $150 per fill-up, with uncertainty on how much of this reduction will be passed to consumers.
Vox - Trump signed an executive order intended to lower diesel prices.
Alternet - The national average for diesel is around $6.32 a gallon.
Alternet - Diesel prices are expected to increase by 80 percent despite Trump's efforts.
Alternet - The executive order waives restrictions on cheaper red dye diesel, typically restricted for off-road use.
Alternet - The cost of filling up an 18-wheeler is almost $1,600 at current prices.
Alternet - The executive order may reduce costs by about $150 per fill-up, but it is unclear how much of this will be passed to consumers.
WHERE:
Alternet - States considering foregoing the tax include North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and North Carolina.
WHY:
Alternet - Diesel prices have increased due to a global shortage of refineries caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine and Trump's actions against Iran.
Alternet - Farmers are struggling to stay in business due to inflated fuel prices resulting from Trump's policies.
HOW:
Alternet - The executive order instructs the IRS to waive penalties for the highway use of red dye diesel.
Alternet - The executive order does not address the underlying problems causing high diesel prices.
(UPDATED October 7, 2026 01:32 UTC)
Diesel prices are projected to increase by nearly 80 percent this year, marking the largest annual increase since AAA began tracking these prices. CNN analyst Matt Egan described the executive order signed by Trump as a "pre-election tax holiday," which defers tax payments instead of eliminating them entirely. Egan also pointed out that filling up an 18-wheeler currently costs almost $1,600, and while the executive order may reduce this cost by about $150 per fill-up, it's uncertain how much of this reduction will actually reach consumers.
--
(UPDATED October 6, 2026 23:02 UTC)
President Trump signed an executive order aimed at lowering diesel prices, which currently average around $6.32 a gallon, while also waiving restrictions on cheaper red dye diesel typically reserved for off-road use. Despite these efforts, diesel prices are projected to rise by 80 percent, leaving farmers and businesses struggling with inflated fuel costs. The order may reduce the cost of filling up an 18-wheeler by about $150, but it remains uncertain how much of this savings will actually reach consumers.