US threatens Germany, France with diesel export ban amid soaring prices: Report
The United States has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Germany and France to release their emergency diesel reserves or risk being cut off from US supplies as fuel prices continue to soar due to the US war on Iran.
Citing three people familiar with the discussions, Reuters reported on Thursday that the administration of US President Donald Trump is considering the potential ban amid mounting pressure to bring down domestic fuel prices ahead of November’s midterm elections.
A source in a European capital said Washington wants the EU countries to free up 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months.
“It is in Europe’s best interest to work with the United States as we pursue multiple pathways to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers,” an unnamed American official said.
Additionally, on Thursday, officials from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, and the European Commission held talks on the possible need to release their emergency stocks after Trump’s threat to ban US exports.
Speaking to reporters on a midterm elections campaign trip to Texas, the US president said Washington “may” call for European countries to draw down their diesel reserves.
The remarks came one day after US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington expects Europe to announce new diesel supplies soon.
“We’ve lost some diesel exports from the Middle East, although we’re restoring those, and we’ve lost diesel exports from China,” he added.
The 2026 US midterm elections will be held on November 3, with 435 House seats and 35 out of 100 Senate seats up for grabs.
The Republicans’ chances have been dragged down by Trump’s record low public approval rating and voter dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy as the illegal war of aggression against Iran, along with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, continues to choke off global oil supplies.
Earlier this week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a 30-day statewide disaster in response to record diesel costs and tight fuel supplies, waiving restrictions on commercial shipping and lifting dyed diesel restrictions on roads.
“The shortage of diesel fuel poses an imminent threat or occurrence of harm to the public health and safety in the State of Texas,” read the disaster proclamation
“A shortage of diesel fuel will impose harmful effects upon the agriculture and ranching industries by increasing the price per acre to achieve similar yields, reducing investment in farm and ranch machinery, and driving up supply chain expenses.”
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US threatens Germany, France with diesel export ban amid soaring prices
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