Hinson voices unease over Russian diesel imports as Iowa fuel costs climb
US Senate candidate Ashley Hinson said she was “nervous” about temporary US sanctions relief for Russian diesel imports agreed by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Her comments highlight the political difficulty for Republicans as high fuel costs become an issue in Iowa’s closely contested Senate race.
The deal allows Russian diesel imports into the US for six months. AAA puts the national average diesel price at $6.29 a gallon, up from $3.66 a year earlier, while petrol has risen to $4.33 from $3.08. Hinson suggested expanding US refining capacity, temporarily pausing the fuel tax and considering diesel rebates for farmers and truckers. A YouGov poll cited in the article put Hinson on 46 per cent and Democrat Josh Turek on 47 per cent.
- Hinson says Russian sanctions relief makes her nervous.
- Diesel averages $6.29 a gallon, up from $3.66.
- Her Iowa Senate race is closely contested.
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Iowa’s Senate race is between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek. The US Senate helps make federal laws and oversees the government, so control of the chamber can shape national policy.
Diesel powers many lorries and farm vehicles, while petrol is widely used in cars. When fuel prices rise, transport and farm costs can also increase, making energy policy a concern for voters and candidates.
The US has sometimes restricted trade with Russia through sanctions, and changes to those rules can affect which Russian goods are sold in America. Fuel prices are also influenced by factors such as supply, refining capacity and taxes.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the six-month sanctions relief could argue that allowing extra diesel supplies may ease shortages and contain costs for farmers, truckers and consumers while prices are unusually high. They may see a temporary measure as a pragmatic way to protect economic activity, with its limited duration preserving room to restore restrictions later.
The case against
Critics could argue that easing sanctions benefits Russia and weakens pressure over its conduct, while risking dependence on a supplier the US has sought to constrain. They may favour expanding domestic refining and using temporary tax relief or targeted rebates to address high fuel costs without importing Russian diesel.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Trump’s diesel gambit with Putin rattles Senate candidate Ashley Hinson as she admits sanctions relief makes her ‘nervous’”.