US Pressures European Allies to Release Strategic Diesel Stockpiles
A coordinated release of emergency fuel reserves could prevent potential export curbs and ease high transportation costs across international energy markets.
The Trump administration demanded that European allies, focusing particularly on Germany and France, draw down emergency diesel reserves to counter high fuel prices. U.S. officials warned that Washington could consider restrictions on American diesel exports if European partners fail to release additional supplies.
The push developed as diesel costs climbed in both the United States and Europe, creating economic pressure ahead of upcoming elections. U.S. officials asked the European Union to release 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months, people familiar with the discussions said. Washington expressed frustration that several European nations had not met earlier commitments coordinated through the International Energy Agency.
France and Germany hold a central role in the talks because they maintain more than a third of the bloc's emergency diesel stockpiles. European governments have depended more heavily on American refined fuels after halting Russian imports and facing disruptions from Middle Eastern energy transit routes.
European Union leaders expressed concern over the possibility of a U.S. export ban. European Union trade chief Maros Sefcovic said any American restriction on diesel shipments would bring severe economic consequences for Europe. Sefcovic added that transatlantic officials had agreed to maintain contact to prevent sudden trade measures.
European officials have deliberated whether physical market conditions justify using emergency reserves. The European Commission noted that regional fuel supplies had remained functional, though refineries were running near full capacity and global markets remained constrained. Representatives from the European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain held preliminary consultations on Thursday to review stock levels.
European Union member states and the European Commission are scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to coordinate their response to the U.S. demands.
