The EU trade chief said the US diesel ban was “unexpected” but would have a negative impact on Europe’s economy.
Published October 2, 2026
President Donald Trump has said the United States may ask European countries to release their diesel stockpiles as the United States seeks to curb soaring diesel prices caused by the war with Iran.
The US president told reporters on Thursday that his administration “may ask” European countries to release their diesel stocks, shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Europe to tap into diesel stocks “immediately.”
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“European partners should accelerate the implementation of existing commitments and make additional supplies readily available to address the ongoing disruption,” Bessent said in a social media post.
Earlier, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said France, Germany and Italy “look forward to working with the United States to move forward on how to bring more diesel to market.”
European capitals spent Thursday coordinating diesel measures, with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright saying he was “very confident” Europe could help ease rising global prices by releasing emergency diesel stocks.
Data released by the European Commission showed 12 EU countries including Italy, Belgium, Romania and Poland hit record highs, while U.S. diesel prices soared to a record $6.53 a gallon a week ago.
In response to soaring U.S. diesel prices, the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers are considering restricting U.S. diesel exports ahead of the midterm elections.
According to Reuters, France and Germany hold more than a third of the EU’s strategic diesel stockpiles. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said the US diesel ban was “unexpected” but would have a negative impact on Europe’s economy.
