The Trump administration has urged Germany and France to release emergency diesel inventories to help ease global fuel prices, warning that the United States could consider restricting diesel exports if Europe does not act, according to three people familiar with the discussions. The move marks an escalation of pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration as it explores measures to lower US fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
The European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain held discussions on Thursday over the possible release of diesel reserves, an EU official told Reuters. One European source said the United States had asked the EU to release around 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday that Washington expected European countries to announce measures to increase diesel supplies, citing disruptions to exports from the Middle East and China.
The pressure comes as Europe has become increasingly reliant on US refined fuel following its ban on Russian energy imports and disruptions to Middle Eastern supplies linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. France’s energy ministry declined to comment, while Germany’s economy ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to convene G7 leaders to discuss rising fuel prices, refined-product availability and coordination of reserve releases with the International Energy Agency.
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