United States President Donald Trump may ban diesel exports to the country to try to contain rising inflation. The Republican commented on the topic last Sunday (27), in an interview with the network Fox Newsduring a golf tournament near Chicago.
“That can often lead to a small increase in gasoline for cars, so we’re looking at that very seriously, we can do that,” Trump said. Officially, the White House has not yet announced any measures.
Diesel reached a record high of about $6.50 per gallon in the US last week. The price has been rising since the war with Iran restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, Ukrainian attacks have been hitting Russian refineries.
In August, US diesel exports stood at around 2 million barrels per day. To try to contain rising prices, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has negotiated voluntary limits on shipments with refiners.
The interruption, if confirmed, could have immediate effects in Brazil. According to data from the Brazilian Association of Fuel Importers (Abicom), around 80% of the diesel imported by the country in September came from refineries in the United States.
In total, around 30% of the diesel consumed in Brazil is imported, according to the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). In addition to the problems relating to the USA, another bottleneck has to do with Russia, a traditional global supplier of diesel, which has suspended its fuel exports.
Meanwhile, the federal government maintains that there is no risk of shortages. According to the national secretary of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels, Renato Dutra, the diesel stock is guaranteed for the month of October.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
