Why Trump just loosened the rules on 'dyed diesel' : NPR

Key Points:

• President Trump issued an executive order allowing the use of red-dyed diesel, typically reserved for off-road vehicles and exempt from federal tax, on highways through the end of the year to help lower diesel costs for farmers, truckers, and other workers.
• Diesel prices have surged due to supply disruptions from attacks on Russian refineries, export cuts by Russia and China, and reduced crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. diesel prices reaching a record $6.52 per gallon recently.
• While using dyed diesel on highways could save users up to 60 cents per gallon by avoiding federal and state taxes, overall diesel prices remain significantly higher than last year, limiting the financial relief for consumers.
• The executive order does not significantly increase diesel supply, as dyed diesel is not widely available at gas stations and is mainly accessible through special wholesalers or rural stations.
• Proposals for a diesel export ban were rejected by refiners, who warned it could lead to refinery shutdowns and higher prices; analysts note that resolving global conflicts and restoring oil flows are necessary for substantial diesel price reductions.