WASHINGTON, USA — The United States administration has urged France and Germany to release emergency diesel reserves to help ease rising fuel prices in Europe, while warning that Washington could consider restricting diesel exports if European countries fail to increase supplies, according to people familiar with the discussions cited by Reuters.
The reported demand comes as the administration of President Donald Trump seeks measures to contain fuel costs in the United States amid growing pressure on global refined-product markets.
US Seeks Major Diesel Release
One source familiar with the discussions said Washington wants European countries to release up to 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months.
European Union officials are expected to discuss the proposal as governments consider whether releasing emergency stocks could provide immediate relief to fuel markets.
However, European governments also face concerns about depleting their reserves too quickly and leaving themselves exposed if the global energy situation deteriorates further.
EU officials and representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Britain and Ireland held discussions on Thursday about the possibility of releasing diesel reserves, according to two EU officials.
The European Commission is also expected to hold another discussion with representatives of all 27 EU member states.
Europe Weighs Fuel-Supply Risks
European governments face a difficult balance between increasing diesel supplies now and preserving emergency reserves for a possible future crisis.
Officials are particularly concerned about continued disruptions to global fuel supplies and the possibility that the situation could worsen if diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran fail to produce a peace agreement.
Germany’s economy ministry said the International Energy Agency had not yet requested that Berlin release its emergency fuel reserves.
The ministry also did not indicate when the agency would next meet to consider the issue.
Washington Pressures European Allies
The United States has reportedly placed particular pressure on France and Germany, with American officials arguing that the two countries have not fully implemented earlier commitments involving emergency oil and petroleum-product reserves.
A US official told Reuters that cooperation with Washington would serve Europe’s interests as both sides explore ways to increase refined-product supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
The latest pressure comes against the backdrop of tight global fuel markets and increasing concerns over diesel availability.
Global Disruptions Tighten Supplies
Europe has become more dependent on imported energy since the European Union banned Russian energy imports following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The disruptions affecting Middle Eastern supplies have added further pressure to the international fuel market.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday that Washington expected European governments to announce additional diesel supplies.
He also cited disruptions involving Middle Eastern and Chinese exports as factors contributing to current pressure on fuel markets.
Russia has further complicated the situation by extending restrictions on diesel exports through the end of October.
Chinese refiners have also reportedly suspended October fuel exports as they seek to strengthen domestic inventories.
Damage to Russian refineries following Ukrainian attacks has also contributed to disruptions in the supply chain.
France Declines To Comment
France’s energy ministry declined to comment on the reported US request.
An official at the Elysee Palace also said Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron did not discuss the diesel issue during their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York the previous week.
Macron is nevertheless expected to convene a video conference with other G7 leaders to discuss rising fuel prices and the availability of refined petroleum products.
The discussions could include possible coordination of emergency reserve releases with the International Energy Agency.
Governments Seek Market Stability
The proposed reserve releases come as governments on both sides of the Atlantic search for measures to stabilize fuel markets and protect consumers from further price increases.
For Europe, the decision could involve weighing the immediate benefits of releasing emergency stocks against the need to maintain sufficient reserves for future disruptions.
For the United States, pressure on European allies forms part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to increase refined-product supplies and reduce fuel costs.
The discussions are expected to continue as European governments assess their available reserves and the potential impact of additional diesel supplies on regional and global fuel markets.
