Record Diesel Prices Deepen Trump's Midterm Woes, Republicans Express Concern

The price of diesel fuel in the US hit another record high on Saturday, September 5, 2026, reaching an average of $5.88 per gallon, according to data published by the American Automobile Association.

Republicans are expressing concern about the impact of skyrocketing gasoline and diesel prices on the 2026 midterm elections. Internal polling shows voters are placing blame for the price hikes on President Donald Trump's war with Iran. One GOP operative told Axios, "Diesel's at an all-time high. Gas is about $4 a gallon. We can't message that away."

Another Republican source told Axios that GOP candidates have no choice but to remain aligned with the president due to his strong influence on voters. US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy attempted to attribute the record-high diesel prices to Russia and Ukraine during a Saturday interview on Fox News. Duffy stated that Russia, the second-biggest exporter of diesel, stopped its exports, putting pressure on the global market.

He added that President Trump has pushed American energy dominance and is trying to drive prices down. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also claimed the war in Ukraine is causing global price pressure. The world's attention remains fixated on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, but the war in Ukraine continues to impact global energy markets.