Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is open to considering a ban on U.S. diesel exports as the national average reached $6.27 a gallon Tuesday, according to AAA. The price was about 80 cents higher than a month earlier. Thune said restricting exports could ease pressure on diesel prices if domestic supply is available, a proposal that could draw attention from farmers facing higher fuel costs. Tight global supplies linked to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, along with refinery disruptions, have pushed diesel prices higher. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Monday that an oil or fuel export ban would be unlikely to lower energy prices. Thune remains willing to explore the measure as officials seek ways to address elevated fuel costs.