US fuel prices have reached record election-stage levels, with gasoline averaging $4.371 per gallon on Wednesday and diesel $6.315. Diesel, the principal fuel for trucks and trains, has risen more than 70% from a year earlier amid the US war with Iran, Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and Middle East shipping disruptions. Transportation companies have warned that surging fuel costs could damage their businesses and add to broader supply-chain costs. Since March 1, Americans have spent a reported $68.1 billion more on gasoline and $43.0 billion more on diesel than during the same period last year, or $111.05 billion combined. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the United States could be open to exploring a diesel-export halt if domestic supply were sufficient, while Patrick De Haan warned export controls could disrupt markets and deter traders. Higher fuel and freight costs could raise grocery and retail prices, creating a political challenge for President Trump and Republicans seven weeks before the midterm elections.