US President Donald Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure for America's soaring diesel prices, saying he has personally told Vladimir Zelensky to stop targeting Russian diesel production. RT reports US diesel has climbed above $6 a gallon, although market analysts cited in the report primarily attribute the surge to Middle East conflict and rising crude prices.
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE
Trump Points to Ukrainian Refinery Attacks
US President Donald Trump has blamed Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky for the ongoing diesel price shock in the United States, arguing that Kiev's attacks on Russian refineries are contributing to shortages. According to RT, the US national average diesel price exceeded $6 per gallon on Friday, up from approximately $5.85 the previous week and around $3.71 at the same time last year.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Ireland, Trump said he had already raised the issue with Zelensky and told him to stop attacking Russian diesel production. "Zelensky has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia. Let him go after targets, but not diesel fuel, because he's causing a shortage of diesel," Trump said.
Trump disputed suggestions that the Middle East was primarily responsible for the latest increase, adding that "this isn't done by the Middle East." His assessment differs from market experts cited by RT, who have mainly linked the rise to renewed conflict between the United States and Iran and the resulting increase in crude oil prices.
Russian Fuel Infrastructure Under Attack
Ukraine has repeatedly attacked Russian oil refineries and other petroleum installations in recent months. RT reports that the strikes have contributed to shortages and price increases across several Russian regions, although it notes that gasoline has been more heavily affected while diesel supplies have remained largely undisrupted.
Russia has responded to domestic supply pressures by restricting exports of petroleum products. According to RT, a temporary diesel export ban introduced earlier this year remains in effect until the end of September and could be extended, while restrictions were expanded to gasoline producers in July.
Diesel is particularly important because of its role throughout the wider economy. It powers agricultural machinery, trucks and freight trains, meaning substantial increases can flow through transport and food supply chains. RT cites estimates suggesting fuel represents between 15 and 30 percent of total food supply costs in the United States, making sustained diesel increases a potential contributor to broader consumer price pressures.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
New Zealand is heavily exposed to international fuel markets, so sustained increases in global diesel and crude oil prices can eventually affect domestic transport, agriculture, freight and consumer prices.
The immediate argument is over what is driving the US diesel spike. Trump attributes it to Ukrainian attacks on Russian fuel infrastructure, while market experts cited by RT point primarily to Middle East conflict and rising crude prices. For New Zealand, either explanation highlights the same vulnerability: geopolitical disruption to international energy supplies can quickly translate into higher costs for fuel-importing economies.
Source
RT, 13 September 2026: Trump blames fuel price spike on Zelensky
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.