Britain is engaged in urgent discussions with European partners about releasing additional strategic fuel reserves, particularly diesel, in response to threats from President Donald Trump to restrict US exports of the fuel.
The talks intensified after Trump signalled his intention to ban diesel exports from the United States in an attempt to combat record pump prices affecting American consumers. Diesel costs in the UK have reached historic levels this week, hovering just under 200p per litre, according to motoring organisation the RAC.
The United States supplies between 1.2 and 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily to global markets. Industry analysts have cautioned that an export prohibition could intensify price pressures internationally.
"We're thinking about it very seriously," Trump said of an export ban at the weekend.
Energy Minister Martin McCluskey participated in a call with European counterparts on Thursday to examine the implications of a potential American ban. According to sources involved in the discussions, coordinating a response across multiple nations, including EU members, represents a sensible precaution. However, these sources noted that European reserves remain available from a joint strategic fuel release that took place earlier in the year.
According to , the Trump administration has pressured France and Germany to deplete emergency diesel inventories or risk facing a potential US export ban. A European source told the same outlet that Washington has requested the EU release 120 million barrels of diesel over six months—representing more than 40% of the EU's 39 million tonnes of emergency gasoil and diesel stocks based on the most recent Eurostat data from May 2025.
A government spokesperson stated:
"We have a diverse and resilient supply. We continue to engage with our international partners and the UK fuel industry."The government has emphasised there is no reason for concern regarding potential diesel shortages, though prices are forecast to climb further.
A European Commission representative indicated today that
"lots of calls, lots of meetings"are occurring regarding the diesel situation, including
"high level contacts"with the US administration.
Why is the UK particularly vulnerable?
Britain is significantly more exposed to diesel supply disruptions than most European nations. The UK imports 55% of its diesel, with approximately one-third of those imports originating from the United States, according to reporting on the emergency talks. While Europe produces roughly 70% of the diesel it consumes, the UK's four refineries manufacture sufficient petrol to satisfy domestic demand but fall short on diesel production.
Diesel presents particular challenges because it is more difficult to refine than petrol and is essential for the haulage sector and agricultural operations, making demand reduction impractical. At the end of June, 15.1 million diesel vehicles were registered on UK roads, according to the Department for Transport, though this represents a decline from 15.7 million a year earlier. Diesel cars numbered 9.8 million, down from 10.4 million in the previous year.
What has driven prices to record levels?
Global petrol and diesel prices have surged dramatically since the outbreak of conflict between the US and Israel against Iran in February. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that typically carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas, has elevated the cost of oil-derived products substantially.
Russia, another major diesel supplier, has compounded supply pressures. According to reporting on the emergency stockpile discussions, Russia extended its diesel export ban until the end of October following Ukrainian attacks on refining facilities.
The RAC has reported that average UK pump prices for diesel reached 199.79p per litre, up substantially from 142.38p previously, marking an all-time high.
What would a US export ban mean globally?
Trump has contended that retaining surplus American diesel domestically would reduce pump prices for US drivers, truckers, and businesses, potentially providing relief ahead of midterm elections. However, David Fyfe, chief economist at Argus Media, has argued that severing American supply would probably cause international prices to escalate sharply.
What happens next?
A broader coalition of nations is scheduled to convene on Friday, 2 October, to determine how to respond to American pressure. According to Politico's reporting on the European response, European countries including the UK, France and Germany have agreed to present a coordinated position, escalate any decision on releasing stocks to the International Energy Agency, and attempt to reduce tensions with Washington.
A meeting of the International Energy Agency's governing board is scheduled for Friday to address the diesel situation.
Key Facts
- UK diesel prices have hit an all-time high of 199.79p per litre, up from 142.38p
- The US supplies 1.2 to 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily globally, with about one-third of UK imports coming from America
- Russia has extended its diesel export ban until the end of October following attacks on refineries
- The Trump administration has requested the EU release 120 million barrels of diesel over six months, representing over 40% of EU emergency stocks
- 15.1 million diesel vehicles were registered on UK roads at the end of June
