Transcript: Energy Secretary Chris Wright on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sept. 6, 2026

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said U.S. gasoline prices could move lower in the coming weeks as the summer driving season ends and supply increases.

Speaking on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Wright said the Trump administration had recently changed regulations to allow American refiners to produce more gasoline and diesel using existing equipment. With demand likely to decline after Labor Day and supply expected to rise, he said lower prices were a reasonable expectation.

Wright also addressed diesel, after prices reached a record $5.89 a gallon during the week. He said Russia’s refining capacity had suffered significant damage. Russia, once a meaningful diesel exporter, now exports no diesel and has become a significant gasoline importer, he said.

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The way to solve a supply shortage is to grow supply.

Asked whether the administration was considering an export ban, Wright said it was reviewing all options that could benefit American consumers. For now, he said, officials were focusing on maximum production in gasoline, diesel and electricity. “The way to solve a supply shortage is to grow supply,” he said.

Wright blamed what he described as 17 years of Democratic energy policy for attacking hydrocarbons and closing refineries and coal plants. He summarized those policies as “expensive energy.”

On Iran, Wright said the United States remained open to a deal. He said President Donald Trump’s goal was a negotiated settlement and avoiding military action unless it became absolutely necessary. The supplied transcript ends as Wright begins explaining the role he believes diplomacy should play.

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Expensive energy.