BATON ROUGE — Record-high diesel prices are hitting Louisiana industries hard, including truck drivers and farmers. The average price of diesel at the pump is now more than $2 higher per gallon than it was this time last year.

According to the American Automobile Association, AAA, the average price for diesel in Louisiana has reached a record $6.02 a gallon, while the national average sits near $6.51.

Corey Hill, a three-year independent contract truck driver, said every cent of that increase comes straight out of his pocket.

"It makes it harder on us. We have to push a little harder; we have to stay away from home longer. We have to stay out here on the road to counteract the diesel prices," Hill said.

The latest price hike comes as conflict in the Middle East, tied to the U.S.-Iran War, continues to disrupt global oil markets.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry wants the White House to ban U.S. diesel exports for 90 days, hoping it would create a domestic surplus and help bring prices down. But energy experts said that logic is flawed.

Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, calls the governor's plan "misguided."

"A ban on diesel exports would have the opposite effect of what is intended," Faucheux said.

Because most U.S. refineries lack storage capacity for surplus diesel, Faucheux said an export ban would force facilities to cut overall production.

"That process of reducing the amount of diesel produced would also reduce the amount of gas produced," Faucheux said. "So, ultimately, that would drive the cost of diesel and gasoline higher."

Meanwhile, Hill said he just wants real solutions.

"It affects a lot. It would really help if the prices went back down," Hill said.

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association also points out that Louisiana refineries account for 20% of the nation's refined products, meaning a diesel export ban could mean a significant negative hit to Louisiana's economy.