European nations are in urgent discussions to release emergency diesel reserves after the Trump administration formally requested the move, warning that a U.S. export ban could follow if no action is taken.
U.S. demands coordinated action as diesel prices surge globally
The Trump administration has directly asked France, Germany, and other European allies to release diesel from their national emergency stockpiles to ease global supply shortages and curb rising fuel prices. U.S. officials confirmed the request during high-level meetings in Milwaukee this week, where Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reiterated the call in interviews with Bloomberg Television.
Greer stated that the U.S. views the price spike as a "one-time event" and urged Europe to act collaboratively. "We’d love to have a collaborative response to this," he said, adding that he had a "very good conversation" with the French trade minister about the proposal. The U.S. has also scheduled meetings with EU officials to press the case further.
Diesel prices hit record highs in Europe and U.S.
Diesel prices have reached unprecedented levels across Europe, averaging 2.24 euros per liter ($9.53 per gallon)—a 41% increase since the war in the Middle East began. In the U.S., diesel prices have climbed 70% since the conflict started, reaching $6.38 per gallon this week, according to AAA. The U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, expressed confidence that Europe would announce new diesel supplies soon, though no formal commitments have been confirmed.
The Trump administration has also floated the possibility of a U.S. export ban on diesel to prioritize domestic supply, a move that could further strain global markets. Wright cited disruptions from lost Middle Eastern and Chinese diesel exports as key factors in the supply crunch.
Europe responds cautiously amid political tensions
European leaders have acknowledged the U.S. request but emphasized ongoing internal coordination. The European Commission’s energy spokesperson, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, stated that the EU is "in very close contact with our member states" on the issue. Meanwhile, France and Germany have faced criticism from U.S. officials for not fully following through on earlier commitments to release emergency oil stocks.
British officials confirmed they are in emergency talks with Germany, France, Italy, and Ireland to discuss releasing diesel reserves. A U.S. official told Reuters that Europe’s cooperation is "in its best interest" as the administration pursues multiple pathways to boost supply and lower costs.
What’s next?
The U.S. is hosting G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee, where further discussions on global fuel supplies are expected. No timeline has been set for a European decision, but U.S. officials have indicated they anticipate announcements "soon." The potential U.S. export ban remains under consideration, with no final decision announced.