Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تحث أوروبا على تجهيز احتياطيات الديزل

According to BBC News, US President Donald Trump may ask European countries to release diesel reserves while he considers restricting US exports of the fuel. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European partners to prepare and release supplies immediately, saying US farmers, truckers and businesses should not bear the burden as prices rise.

The US exports between 1.2 million and 1.5 million barrels of diesel per day and is a major supplier to global markets. Trump said at the weekend that an export ban was being considered seriously. He has argued that retaining surplus diesel in the US could reduce domestic pump prices ahead of November elections, when control of Congress will be contested.

The UK held discussions with European partners on Thursday about a possible release of diesel reserves if the US restricts exports. Energy Minister Martin McCluskey joined a call with counterparts. A source familiar with the talks said it was prudent to prepare a co-ordinated response, while noting that Europe still had reserves from an earlier strategic fuel-stock release. The UK government said supplies were diverse and resilient, though prices were expected to rise further.

UK diesel prices reached record levels this week, with RAC figures putting the average pump price at 199.79p per litre, up from 142.38p. David Fyfe, chief economist at Argus Media, said stopping American supply would probably send international prices sharply higher. Diesel demand is difficult to reduce because the fuel is widely used in haulage and agriculture, while the UK relies heavily on imports because its four refineries do not produce enough diesel for national needs.