The Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration benchmark used for most fuel surcharges rose 24.4 cents to a record $6.529 a gallon, effective Monday and published Tuesday, while AAA’s national average reached $6.52. The DOE/EIA benchmark has climbed $1.951 since a $4.578 posting on July 6, as refining disruptions, reduced Middle Eastern and Russian diesel exports and geopolitical risks tighten supplies. Diesel futures moved lower, with ultra-low sulfur diesel falling from a September 15 record settlement of $5.262 to $4.7939 by about 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, amid reports of Saudi pipeline repairs, potentially improved flows through the Strait of Hormuz and possible U.S.-Iranian diplomacy. Diesel’s role in trucking, agriculture, construction, mining and shipping makes the price surge a broader inflation and interest-rate concern. Lawmakers and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry have backed a U.S. diesel-export ban, but analysts warn it could mainly lower Gulf Coast prices while worsening global shortages, reducing refinery production and raising costs elsewhere.