Trump Pressures France and Germany to Release Diesel Reserves — Or ...

Trump Pressures France and Germany to Release Diesel Reserves — Or Face a US Export Ban

With US diesel prices hitting record highs, the Trump administration is pressing Germany and France to urgently release diesel from their emergency reserves, hoping to boost global supply and cool energy prices. Washington has warned that if Europe doesn't act, the US could retaliate with its own diesel export ban.

European sources told Reuters the US is asking the EU to release a combined 120 million barrels of diesel reserves over the next six months. Europe faces a tough tradeoff: releasing stockpiles now could ease short-term prices, but it would leave less cushion if the energy crisis worsens — particularly if the US and Iran fail to reach a peace deal.

Washington specifically called out Germany and France for not fully following through on earlier commitments to release reserve fuel stocks, while noting the US has already released 172 million barrels of its own reserves in line with International Energy Agency member commitments. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on X: "America is doing its part... we expect our allies to turn their commitments into action."

The pressure comes amid a broader global fuel crunch: the Iran conflict has disrupted major energy sources, Russia has extended its diesel export ban through the end of October after Ukrainian strikes damaged refineries, and Chinese refiners suspended fuel exports in October to build domestic stockpiles. Europe's position is especially tight since it banned Russian energy imports and has grown more dependent on US fuel, while Middle East conflict further strains regional supply.