NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Fuel analyst Patrick De Haan says restricting U.S. diesel exports could provide limited short-term relief while creating longer-term supply problems. His analysis comes as Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he is open to exploring an export ban amid record diesel prices.
De Haan says U.S. refineries produce roughly 5.3 million barrels of distillates daily against domestic demand near 3.6 million barrels. He argues current prices reflect a global diesel shortage rather than insufficient U.S. production.
The biggest domestic problem, he says, is geography. Gulf Coast refineries produce much of the surplus, while the Northeast and West Coast depend more heavily on waterborne shipments and imports.
De Haan points to the current Jones Act waiver as a more effective tool for moving fuel between U.S. regions. Federal guidance shows the waiver remains in effect through November 15.
He warns an export ban could reduce refinery economics, eventually lowering refinery runs while leaving global diesel shortages unresolved. De Haan favors extending shipping flexibility instead of restricting exports.
