WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Senate leaders are working to advance both year-round E15 legislation and a new Farm Bill as pressure continues mounting across the farm economy.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says lawmakers are discussing how to move the House-passed E15 measure through the Senate, where it currently faces a 60-vote threshold as a standalone bill.
He says senators are also trying to align the E15 effort with broader Farm Bill negotiations as producers continue grappling with weak farm income and elevated input costs.
Supporters argue that expanded year-round E15 sales could strengthen demand for U.S. corn, support rural economies, and provide additional fuel supply options amid heightened volatility in global energy markets.
Fuel Markets Remain Volatile As Iran Conflict Continues
Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.com says diesel prices have eased slightly in recent days, but ongoing instability tied to the conflict involving Iran continues driving uncertainty in oil markets.
“Product prices falling as refineries finish maintenance and boost output of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel,” DeHaan said. “But yeah, still a much higher amount of volatility in oil markets as we continue to digest the latest news between the U.S. and Iran.”
The conflict has now stretched roughly two months, leaving the Strait of Hormuz largely restricted for maritime travel. The corridor remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes for petroleum exports.
As other countries seek alternative supplies, the United States has increased exports of oil and refined products to help fill global demand. DeHaan says the trend is beginning to put pressure on domestic inventories.
“The longer the Strait remains closed, the more countries buy U.S. oil and other products, and the more that we are going to see our supplies draining,” De Haan explained. “So absolutely, I mean, there does come a push to the situation. It can’t go on forever.”
He added that record-setting exports are already reducing U.S. fuel inventories, which could place additional upward pressure on prices.
U.S. Military Increases Presence in Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, a new video released by the United States Central Command shows U.S. military operations underway in the Strait of Hormuz as forces continue enforcing maritime restrictions in the region.
CENTCOM says U.S. forces have stopped more than 90 vessels and redirected them away from the corridor. Military officials also say force was used in some instances, with at least four ships reportedly disabled after failing to comply with directives.
