President Trump has called on Ukrainian President Zelensky to stop targeting Russian oil refineries, warning that such strikes are worsening a global diesel shortage crisis.

Ukrainian attacks have significantly degraded Russia's refining capacity over recent months, prompting Moscow to extend its diesel export ban through the end of September in order to stabilize domestic fuel supplies.

For the first time in history, U.S. diesel prices have surpassed $6 per gallon, fueled by supply disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and Iran.

On September 11, 2026, in Miami, Florida, truck driver Luis Torrado filled up his heavy rig with diesel at a truck stop, reflecting the pain felt across the industry as average national prices hit $6.06 per gallon according to AAA data.

Why this matters for global energy

Trump, speaking during his official visit to Ireland on Sunday, delivered a direct message: "Mr. Zelensky must do one thing — stop destroying Russia's diesel production facilities."

He added: "They can hit other targets, but not diesel facilities. Because this is creating a diesel shortage. The root of the problem is not the Middle East — it's the Russia-Ukraine situation."

The White House view is that Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian petroleum infrastructure and logistics networks — originally intended to raise Moscow's war costs — have backfired by triggering widespread fuel scarcity both inside Russia and on global markets.

Impact on American consumers and businesses

Diesel is a critical fuel for heavy trucking, ocean shipping, mining, and agriculture. With spot prices breaking records last Friday, truckers and farmers now face fuel costs roughly 63% higher than the same period last year when filling up their semi-trucks and agricultural equipment.

Kyiv fears Moscow will retaliate by attacking Ukraine's own energy infrastructure, raising the specter of a winter energy crisis, though Ukrainian officials maintain their position that Russian refineries are legitimate military targets.

Oil markets follow diesel higher

International crude benchmarks have surged alongside diesel, with tensions in the Middle East adding further upward pressure. Monday morning trading saw November Brent futures rise 2.1% to $106.69 per barrel — a gain of over 20% in the past month alone.

U.S. WTI crude for October delivery climbed 2.1% to $102.15 per barrel, up nearly 25% over the last month, having breached the $100 threshold for the first time since May over the previous weekend.

Over the weekend, Iran-backed Houthi rebels once again attacked Saudi Arabia while Iran struck multiple commercial vessels in the Gulf, intensifying anxieties about regional energy supply reliability.

Adding to the concern, Saudi Arabia's critical east-west oil pipeline — which offers an alternative route bypassing the strategic Strait of Hormuz — was temporarily shut down Friday following a drone strike on the key energy infrastructure.