US Pressures France and Germany to Release Emergency Diesel or Face Possible Export Ban

The Trump administration has told Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel stocks to help ease global fuel prices, or risk a US diesel export ban, according to three people close to the talks. The warning raises pressure on Europe as Trump weighs an export ban to cut US fuel prices before November’s midterm elections.

How Much Diesel the US Wants

A source in a European capital said the US has asked the EU to release 120 million barrels of diesel within six months. A US official said it is in Europe’s best interest to work with Washington on boosting refined product supply and lowering costs for consumers. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he expects announcements soon from Europe on new diesel supplies.

Why the US Is Frustrated With France and Germany

US officials believe the two countries have not fully followed through on earlier pledges to release emergency oil and petroleum stocks. Germany’s economy ministry did not respond to a request for comment, and France’s energy ministry declined to comment.

EU Talks and G7 Plans

The European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain held a call Thursday on a possible diesel release. An Elysee Palace official said Macron and Trump did not discuss the issue at the UN General Assembly last week. Macron will convene a G7 video conference on rising fuel prices and the availability of refined products, including coordinating reserve releases with the International Energy Agency.

Europe’s Growing Reliance on US Fuel

Europe has grown more dependent on US fuel after banning Russian imports over the invasion of Ukraine and after the US-Israeli war against Iran disrupted Middle East supplies. Wright said the US has lost some Middle East diesel exports, which are being restored, as well as exports from China.