Rising Diesel Costs Strain Oklahoma Ranchers' Livelihoods

WHO:

ABC News - Scott Belden, a third-generation rancher in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, age 55.

ABC News - President Trump, referenced by Scott Belden as a three-time voter.

WHAT:

ABC News - Diesel prices have increased by more than 65% since the start of the Iran war in February.

ABC News - The average price for a gallon of diesel was $6.32.

ABC News - Belden burns 90 to 100 gallons of diesel fuel a day during harvest.

ABC News - Belden estimates that increased fuel costs are costing him $1,000 to $1,400 more a week.

ABC News - Belden describes the current situation as "the most stressful time in my life."

WHERE:

ABC News - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

WHEN:

ABC News - Midterm elections are less than three weeks away.

WHY:

ABC News - Belden states that the record-breaking cost of diesel is putting additional pressure on his business.

ABC News - Belden believes that the ongoing pain at the pump will hurt Republicans in the upcoming elections.

ABC News - Trump has stated that higher fuel prices are necessary to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons.

HOW:

ABC News - Belden's ranch includes cattle and custom harvesting for hay, which he claims is "absolutely unprofitable" due to fuel costs.

ABC News - Trump made a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import 300,000 tons of diesel fuel.

(UPDATED October 16, 2026 07:10 UTC)

In Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, rancher Scott Belden, who has voted for Trump three times, is feeling the strain of skyrocketing diesel prices, which have surged over 65% since the start of the Iran war in February. With the average price for a gallon of diesel now at $6.32, Belden estimates he's losing an additional $1,000 to $1,400 each week, making this the most stressful time in his life as he burns 90 to 100 gallons a day during harvest. As midterm elections approach in less than three weeks, Belden believes the ongoing pain at the pump will negatively impact Republicans, while Trump has defended higher fuel prices as a necessary measure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.