Trump blames Ukraine for diesel fuel price spike, urges Zelensky to stop hitting Russian refineries

President Trump said Sunday that sky-rocketing diesel prices are the result of Ukraine striking Russia’s refineries, and called on President Volodymyr Zelensky to halt the attacks.

“Zelenskyy has to do one thing — he has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump said at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland.

“This isn’t done by the Middle East, this is done by what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine.”   

President Donald Trump (center) speaks as he visits the first tee during the final round of the Irish Open golf tournament at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Trump turned his focus to golf and promoting his business interests as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Ireland. AFP via Getty Images

Recent AAA data shows the US national diesel average at $6.06 per gallon — the highest in history. The previous high was in June 2022 of $5.82 per gallon, a period that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As recently as March, the average price was below $4 per gallon.

While most passenger cars and trucks run on gasoline, diesel powers the economy — fueling big-rig trucks, farm equipment, trains and large ships. A spike in the cost of diesel fuel could quickly trickle down into the prices of all kinds of consumer goods.

Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil and gas industry refineries over the past few months in attempt to cripple the Kremlin’s biggest source of revenue.

Those attacks have forced Moscow to ban diesel exports.

Iran and its allies has also hit refineries in the Gulf, forcing a drop in production.

The result has been a drop of 8% in diesel supply across the world, CNBC reported — and US refineries are already running at 98% capacity.

Smoke rises from an oil depot after a reported Ukrainian drone strike in this screengrab obtained from a social media video on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. via REUTERS
Smoke rises from the Ozon warehouse following a Ukrainian drone attack on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, in Saratov, Russia. via REUTERS
A person watches an explosion during sea drone attacks in Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in this screengrab taken from social media video. Social Media via REUTERS

Trump said that he’s talked to the Ukrainian president, and that there’s “plenty of other targets,” emphasizing that the US does not want Kyiv targeting diesel fuel facilities.

“Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting the world,” Trump added.

Kyiv says the long-range strikes against Russia’s oil and gas funds and directly fuels Moscow’s invasion of its neighbor.

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