On Monday, American president Donald Trump signed a decree aimed at easing the financial burden on American drivers by allowing them to purchase untaxed diesel fuel, commonly used in agricultural machinery and other non-road vehicles. Speaking at a rally in Nebraska, Trump described the move as a way to "allow everyone to buy untaxed red diesel." Red diesel, also known as non-road diesel, is a type of fuel dyed red to indicate it is subject to lower or no taxes compared to standard diesel used in cars and trucks. Trump admitted he was not familiar with the specifics of the fuel, joking, "I don't know what it is, but it doesn't matter, it's supposed to be very good." However, a White House note published the same day clarified that the decree was more limited than what Trump had announced at the rally. Rather than eliminating the tax entirely, the decree instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to delay the payment of the tax on red diesel by drivers until the end of the year, without interest or penalties. The decree also instructed federal authorities and state governors to consider suspending inspections and exempting drivers from the tax obligation. This comes as diesel prices in the United States have reached record levels, exceeding $6 per gallon in recent weeks, partly due to global supply chain disruptions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The White House note did not mention the war in Iran, which has also contributed to rising fuel prices, but instead pointed to the war in Ukraine and a global shortage of refining capacity as key factors. It also criticized Democrats for closing refineries in favor of environmental policies. At the Nebraska rally, Trump also praised an agreement with Europe to release 100 million barrels of refined oil from strategic reserves over the next four months. This move aims to increase global supply and ease the pressure on fuel prices. Trump had previously spoken about the ban on American diesel exports, which affect fuel trucks, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment. Export restrictions imposed by Russia, a major supplier of diesel, following attacks on its oil facilities have further strained global markets. As the mid-term legislative elections approach, the rising cost of fuel has become a significant political issue, with the Republican Party facing pressure from both consumers and businesses affected by the high prices.