WASHINGTON — A proposal to restrict diesel exports is exposing an unusual divide among congressional Republicans, with farm-state lawmakers and MAGA-aligned populists criticizing oil companies as fuel prices climb. President Donald Trump was weighing a 90-day diesel export ban as of Sept. 24. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., is sponsoring legislation that would either suspend diesel exports until January or trigger export controls if the fuel’s price exceeds $5 per gallon. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., supports the ban and dismissed concerns that it could reduce oil companies’ profits. “They’ll be fine,” Hawley told reporters. “I predict they’ll still make a bunch of money.” Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., said fossil fuel companies should be doing more to reduce prices, though he said he was not certain whether companies were engaging in price gouging. Burchett has used similar language, writing on X that high prices are treated as “gouging” when individuals are responsible but as “business as usual” when they involve major oil companies. The backlash comes as Republicans try to address rising fuel costs while avoiding direct criticism of the administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran. Instead, some lawmakers have focused their criticism on oil companies, even as industry representatives argue that prices are driven largely by international markets. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said the price increases were the result of global conditions rather than decisions by American producers. “These are dynamics that are global, so every single country in the world is facing the same thing,” Lankford said. “So this is not just about American oil companies. Their price is determined for them based on the market.” The proposed restrictions have alarmed fossil fuel advocates, who warn that an export ban could establish a precedent for broader government intervention in energy markets. Tom Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, said Republicans could face demands to restrict exports of other fuels, including natural gas, if they support limits on diesel. “Democrats have long supported export bans on crude oil,” Pyle said. “What are Republicans going to say when Democrats ask to ban natural gas exports after this?” For decades, the oil and gas industry has been one of the Republican Party’s most dependable allies. Nearly every Republican supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which expanded federal oil and gas leasing and reduced royalty rates for some offshore drilling. Since the 1990 election cycle, more than two-thirds of the industry’s contributions to candidates and party committees have gone to Republicans, according to OpenSecrets. The current dispute could complicate that relationship. Mike McKenna, an energy lobbyist who served in the first Trump administration, said support for a diesel ban could encourage lawmakers to pursue additional restrictions on fossil fuels. “It’s a contagion,” McKenna said. “There are even stupider ideas that are gonna follow this.” Republican strategist Barrett Marson said the anger may ease once the conflict with Iran ends. But the immediate political pressure remains: diesel is central to trucking, agriculture, construction and heating, making price increases especially consequential for rural communities and businesses that have traditionally formed a key part of the Republican base.