Europe is considering releasing some diesel stockpiles to contain fuel prices.
Europe is considering releasing some diesel stockpiles to contain fuel prices.
2026-10-02
Shafaq News – Follow-up
Two informed European sources said on Friday that the European Union is discussing a French proposal to draw on diesel stockpiles to calm the sharp rise in fuel prices, due to pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Reuters quoted the sources as saying that EU governments discussed in a telephone call that European countries withdraw 50 million barrels of diesel, just as the International Energy Agency countries withdraw 50 million barrels of crude oil.
The two sources indicated that the United States has asked major European countries, including France and Germany, to withdraw 100 million barrels of diesel within a period not exceeding 20 days.
European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said on Friday that “the European Union completely rejects the threat made by the United States to ban diesel exports if Europe does not release more of its fuel stockpiles.”
She added that “a ban would not be in anyone’s interest. Rather, it would undermine our confidence in the United States as a reliable partner,” noting that “the next meeting of the EU’s Oil Coordination Group is scheduled for October, but could be brought forward if necessary.”
Reuters reported on Thursday, citing three informed sources, that the administration of US President Donald Trump told Germany and France they must draw on their emergency diesel stockpiles, or they will face a possible US ban on diesel exports.
Trump said he is considering imposing an export ban to help lower fuel prices in the United States before the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
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