US Oil Export Ban Unlikely to Lower Gas Prices, Interior Secretary Says

A ban on U.S. oil or fuel exports would be an ineffective tool for lowering high energy prices for American consumers, according to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Speaking to reporters on Monday, the secretary warned that such a move could have unintended negative consequences.

Administration Rejects Export Ban

Speaking at a G20 energy meeting in Houston, Secretary Burgum dismissed the idea of halting exports to address domestic fuel costs. "We would consider an export ban if we thought that actually might lower prices, but that’s not the case," he stated, as reported by Reuters.

The comments come as the Trump administration faces pressure to curb rising energy costs ahead of the November midterm elections. Diesel prices recently reached a record high above $6 a gallon, placing a significant burden on the economy and consumers.

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Risk of Retaliation

Burgum cautioned that restricting U.S. exports of oil, gasoline, or diesel could provoke retaliatory measures from other countries. This could particularly harm states like California, which partially relies on energy imports to meet its needs.

"We stop exporting product, and then somebody says, ’We’re not going to export to California,’" Burgum explained. He noted that California already has the country's highest fuel prices due to its own policies and a reduction in local refining capacity, and an export ban could "exacerbate that" situation. As an alternative, the White House is reportedly exploring the use of the Defense Production Act to help expand U.S. refining capacity.