US pushes France, Germany to release diesel as Iran war strains fuel markets
The Trump administration has asked France and Germany to release emergency diesel or face the United States banning its diesel exports, Reuters reported on Thursday, as Washington seeks to reduce global fuel prices during the Iran war.
The United States wants the European Union to release 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months, according to a source close to the discussions.
The Trump administration has been particularly frustrated with France and Germany, which U.S. officials say have not fully met their previous commitments to release emergency oil and oil stockpiles.
“It is in Europe’s best interest to work with the United States as we explore multiple pathways to increase the supply of refined products and reduce costs for consumers,” a U.S. official told Reuters.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told reporters Wednesday that his administration expects announcements from Europe soon regarding new diesel supplies.
“We have lost some diesel exports from the Middle East, even though we are restoring them, and we have lost diesel exports from China,” he said. “So that’s a lot of interruptions.”
The demand underscores the growing economic consequences of the conflict, which has disrupted energy flows and increased pressure on governments to stabilize fuel markets.
Three people familiar with the discussions told Reuters the administration had warned Germany and France to reduce their emergency stocks of diesel or face restrictions on U.S. diesel exports.
The pressure campaign comes as diesel markets remain tight globally, with the war adding stress to already strained supply chains and threatening higher costs for consumers, shippers and the industry.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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