EU sharply opposes US threat to ban diesel fuel exports

The European Commission has pushed back against the Trump administration's threat to ban diesel fuel exports, saying such a move would benefit no one and would undermine trust in the United States as a reliable partner. A European Commission spokesperson told reporters this after reports emerged that Washington was ready to restrict diesel exports abroad unless European countries released their own fuel reserves.

What Trump proposed

Diesel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks in the US, Europe and other regions amid ongoing military conflicts. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump backed the idea of banning diesel exports to bring down prices on the American market. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the administration was considering such a measure. The plans have caused concern at the European Commission.

Pressure on Berlin and Paris

Reports later emerged that the US administration had asked Germany and France to help bring down global fuel prices by releasing diesel from their emergency reserves. Washington made clear that if the countries refused, they could face a ban on diesel exports from the US. According to available information, Washington wants the entire European Union to release 120 million barrels of diesel fuel over the next six months. Germany's economy ministry clarified that the International Energy Agency had not made such a request to the country.

European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said the EU was seeking coordinated action with the US to bring down diesel prices. The next meeting of the oil coordination group monitoring the situation is scheduled for October 15, but could be held earlier if necessary.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz