The United Kingdom is engaged in active discussions with European allies regarding the potential release of emergency diesel stockpiles. This diplomatic effort follows threats from the Trump administration to restrict US fuel exports as a strategy to lower domestic prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
On Thursday, UK government representatives participated in calls with counterparts from the European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, and Ireland. The conversations focused on the viability of drawing down reserves after Washington pressured Germany and France to release their supplies or face a total export ban. Martin McCluskey, the UK minister for local energy, reportedly joined these sessions to assess the impact of such a move on British energy security.
US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have publicly urged Europe to take immediate action, arguing that partners should accelerate existing commitments to address current market disruptions. President Donald Trump, speaking during a campaign visit to Texas, confirmed that the administration is considering these measures, noting that Europe maintains significant diesel stores that could be deployed to help mitigate soaring costs.
The pressure comes as UK consumers face record fuel expenses. Motoring organization RAC reported that the average price of a litre of diesel in Britain hit an all-time high of 199.72p on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbed above $101 on Thursday, driven by supply concerns linked to the conflict in Iran, which has disrupted transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, a US official told reporters it was “in Europe’s best interest” to work with the US as it pursues options to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers.
While Europe relies on domestic refineries for roughly 70% of its diesel consumption, the remaining portion leaves the continent vulnerable to global market volatility. For the UK, the stakes are particularly high; approximately one-third of its diesel imports originated from the US last year. Chancellor John Healey acknowledged that prices have reached extreme levels, and the government is actively lobbying to ensure the UK remains shielded from any potential US export bans. Because Europe produces about 70% of the diesel it consumes from domestic refineries, fuel stations across Europe are unlikely to run dry. But experts fear that competing for cargoes on the global market would lead to higher market prices. But the loss of US supply would drive prices up sharply at the pumps because the UK does not refine enough diesel to meet domestic demand, it was unclear whether the UK would be included in such a ban.
The European Commission, represented by spokesperson Anna Kaisa Itkonen, confirmed that EU member states are coordinating an urgent response alongside the International Energy Agency. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed confidence that a coordinated release of diesel inventories could help stabilize global prices, particularly as regions prepare for the upcoming harvest and winter heating oil seasons. In February, Brent crude – the international benchmark for oil prices – traded at about $72 a barrel, before the war.
However, the prospect of releasing reserves creates a difficult balancing act for European governments, which must weigh the need for current price relief against the necessity of maintaining high stocks for the winter months should the Iran conflict escalate. Elizabeth de Jong, chief executive of Fuels Industry UK, emphasized that the current situation highlights Britain’s reliance on overseas production, asserting that the nation must address these vulnerabilities to ensure long-term energy security across transport, agriculture, defense, and chemical sectors. She added, the latest US threat showed the UK “cannot solely rely on overseas production for domestic energy security”.
Beyond the current diesel dispute, the US administration has indicated it is considering broader export restrictions. Additionally, President Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries, citing concerns that such attacks further exacerbate rising energy costs. Russia has already extended its own diesel export ban through the end of October.
Despite the heightened tensions, a UK government spokesperson emphasized that the nation maintains a diverse and resilient fuel supply chain. Officials continue to communicate with international partners and the domestic fuel industry to monitor the situation as global prices remain under significant upward pressure.
