U.S. Oil Refining Group Warns Trump Biofuel Policies Raise Costs, Sends Letter to GOP Lawmakers; ExxonMobil Urges EU Trade Talks

A leading U.S. oil refining trade group has sent a letter to top Republican lawmakers criticizing President Donald Trump's biofuel policies and tariffs. The group expressed concerns that the administration's approach, including tariff wars and proposed U.S. blending requirements, could increase costs for refineries and ultimately raise prices for American consumers at the gas pump. This marks the oil industry's most notable disagreement with Trump since his return to the White House in January 2025. Additionally, some refining and biofuel trade organizations warn that the administration's efforts to limit the use of foreign feedstocks in domestic biodiesel production may restrict domestic output and elevate energy prices. ExxonMobil has urged the Trump administration to leverage trade talks with the European Union to counter new EU climate and human rights regulations that could impose severe penalties on U.S. companies. The controversy extends internationally, with the UK's largest bioethanol plant reportedly under threat following a trade deal with the U.S. The criticism reflects broader concerns among trade groups and lawmakers about the economic impact of Trump's America First biodiesel policy on U.S. companies and consumers.