Trump prepares diesel export ban — Europe alarmed

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday backed the idea of banning diesel fuel exports in order to bring down its price on the domestic market. That was announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who noted that the Trump administration is studying the possibility amid a sharp rise in fuel prices in the US, Europe and other regions driven by military conflicts.

Brussels calls for consultations

European Commission spokesperson Gill said at a regular briefing that Brussels expects close partners to consult one another before taking measures that could affect shared markets. He stressed that EU-US cooperation in energy remains solid, stable and mutually beneficial, and that any disruption to it could hurt both sides. According to him, the EU and the United States are maintaining high-level contacts on the future shape of American diesel exports.

Europe relies on American fuel

Following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Europe has become heavily dependent on imports of diesel fuel and jet kerosene from the US, as hostilities have disrupted supplies from the region. The conflict flared up in late February, when the US and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran. According to EU Commission energy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, imports from the US cover 50% of fuel consumption in the European Union. "Together with member states, we are watching the market situation and supply security very closely," she said, adding that the EU is currently not seeing any specific shortage of diesel fuel. The so-called oil coordination group monitoring the situation will meet again on Tuesday next week.

Czechia introduces a tax on refiners

In parallel, the Czech government decided on Monday to introduce an extraordinary tax on oil refineries, which will apply this year and next. According to the Finance Ministry, the tax covers part of the growth in gross margin compared with 2025. The move is the authorities' response to rising margins at oil refiners.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz