Trump to Invoke Defense Production Act to Boost Oil and Fuel Output

Key Facts

1President Donald Trump plans to issue a directive to department heads to use the Defense Production Act to increase oil and fuel output.

2The move aims to control diesel fuel prices which are near record highs ahead of the November 3 congressional elections.

President Donald Trump plans to issue a directive to department heads to use the Defense Production Act to increase oil and fuel output. Reuters reported that the move aims to control diesel fuel prices, which are near record highs ahead of the November 3 congressional elections.

The administration is seeking to mandate increased domestic energy production to mitigate economic pressure on voters by boosting supply. This policy shift follows data from October 6, 2026, which showed a decrease of 2.09 million barrels in US crude oil stocks according to the American Petroleum Institute (API).