One of President Donald Trump’s key energy officials has stated that banning fuel or crude oil exports from the United States would not lower retail prices. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who leads Trump’s National Energy Dominance Council, made the remarks on Monday on the sidelines of the G20 energy summit in Houston.

With retail diesel prices hitting a record high of over $6 per gallon and gasoline prices surpassing $4 per gallon, speculation has grown that the Trump administration might impose export restrictions in the weeks ahead of the crucial midterm elections to counter the negative impact. Industry analysts and market observers are divided on whether such measures could ease the burden on consumers over the long run.

Burgum said, “If we believed an export ban would reduce prices, we would consider implementing one, but that is not the case.” Both he and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have publicly opposed such restrictions. Burgum reiterated his position, noting that all options remain on the table, but an export ban would only be considered if there were a direct link between halting exports and lowering domestic prices.