U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday local time that he is still "considering" a ban on diesel exports in an attempt to control elevated energy prices, but he also noted that such a move could have a "negative impact" on gasoline prices.

When asked in the Oval Office whether he had decided to impose the ban, Trump said his aides believed the measure would help the diesel market "but could also push up prices of other goods." Trump added: "I think the current situation is good, because oil prices are about to start falling."

Just three days earlier, despite warnings from the U.S. oil industry that the move would force refineries to cut production and ultimately drive up domestic energy prices, Trump said he was considering the measure "very seriously." However, his latest remarks appear to indicate that he is no longer as enthusiastic about the idea of an export ban, though he did not completely rule it out.

"We are in a great position right now," Trump said, highlighting the recent recovery in crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a major channel for global oil trade; shipping there had been disrupted after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February. However, daily export volumes this week have recovered to pre-war levels.

At a press conference on Wednesday, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, standing beside Trump, said: "Over the past week, diesel prices have already come down. I think in the coming days and weeks, you will see prices drop significantly." Wright acknowledged that diesel supply is "tight."

"This has indeed caused many supply disruptions. But U.S. refineries are operating at record-high utilization rates," he said. "And you will soon hear European partners announce that new diesel supply will be brought to market. That will significantly pull down diesel prices."

When a reporter asked Wright whether he would advise against imposing a diesel export ban, Trump interjected: "No, I think this is something we think about and discuss every day."

"But it seems this would have a negative impact on gasoline prices," he said. "Gasoline prices might rise slightly, while diesel prices would fall slightly."

Trump also reiterated his view that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is "really the biggest problem for diesel." Affected by the ongoing conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine — which have severely disrupted global energy supplies — diesel prices have surged to historic highs. On Wednesday, oil prices rose as the prospect of U.S.-Iran negotiations appeared to stall once again.