EXCLUSIVE: US tells France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face US export ban, sources say

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   US Pressures France and Germany to Release Diesel Stocks Amid Export Ban Threat

   The Trump administration has demanded that France and Germany draw down emergency diesel inventories to lower global fuel prices or face a potential US export ban. The US energy chief specifically requested Europe release more than a third of its diesel reserves. While President Trump says the ban remains on the table, he has acknowledged it could negatively impact gasoline prices. In response, European nations are holding emergency meetings and have agreed on an assertive response, while the UK is discussing the release of its own strategic fuel stockpiles.

   Why it matters

   Surging energy prices have prompted the US to leverage its export capacity to force European allies to utilize their own reserves. A ban on US diesel exports would disrupt global supply chains and could specifically harm Texas refineries. The White House is conducting talks on the matter as midterm elections approach.

   What is confirmed

   • The Trump administration told France and Germany to release emergency diesel stocks to ease soaring global fuel prices.
   • President Trump has considered a partial or full ban on diesel exports.
   • The US energy chief requested that Europe release more than a third of its diesel reserves.
   • European countries have agreed on an assertive response to US pressure regarding diesel.
   • The UK government is in talks with the US and EU partners regarding the release of emergency diesel stockpiles.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The US has given an ultimatum to France and Germany demanding the release of diesel reserves.
   • A diesel export ban would have catastrophic unintended consequences.

   What to watch next

   • Official decision from France and Germany on releasing diesel stocks
   • Formal announcement of a US diesel export ban or its withdrawal
   • Results of the EU emergency meeting on soaring diesel prices
   Sources used for this update (28)

   1. Yahoo Finance — President Donald Trump Has Floated the Idea of a Partial or Full Ban on Diesel Exports, but the Unintended Consequences of Such Actions Would Be Catastrophic
   2. www.bbc.com — UK tries to stop Trump's diesel export ban - BBC
   3. Financial Times — White House holds crunch talks on diesel export ban as midterms near
   4. cnbc.com — Trump 'thinking about' diesel export ban, but says it could have 'negative impact' on gasoline
   5. Politico — Trump says diesel export ban is still on the table
   6. Bloomberg.com — Trump Downplays Diesel Export Ban Over Impact on Other Fuels
   7. Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: US tells France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face US export ban, sources say
   8. Euronews.com — US presses Europe to release more emergency oil reserves as prices surge
   9. politico.eu — Trump’s energy chief asked Europe to release more than a third of its diesel reserves
   10. qz.com — Trump threatens diesel export ban to pressure Europe on reserves
   11. The New York Times — Trump’s Threat to Ban Diesel Exports Sets Off Global Alarms
   12. Bloomberg.com — Europe Holds Emergency Diesel Talks as US Pressure Mounts
   confidence 90%