The European Commission has expressed concern over reports that US President Donald Trump is considering a temporary ban on diesel exports, stating that such a measure would negatively affect both the United States and Europe. Trump has indicated he is examining the export restriction to help lower domestic pump prices ahead of midterm elections, following record average diesel prices of $6.52 per gallon in the US.
Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the European Commission, emphasized on Thursday that any disruption to diesel exports would pose risks to both sides and called for close consultation between partners before implementing measures affecting shared markets. The US energy secretary, Chris Wright, similarly cautioned that export bans function as blunt policy tools that could ultimately harm American fuel supplies over the long term.
Europe faces significant exposure to such a ban given its substantial reliance on US diesel imports. By August, American suppliers accounted for approximately half of Europe’s diesel imports, with US exports representing about a third of the continent’s total diesel imports this year. This dependency has grown as supplies from refineries in the Middle East and Russia have declined due to regional conflicts and damage. Pump prices have already reached record levels across Germany and the Netherlands, while the UK faces particular vulnerability with only four operating refineries remaining after recent closures.
Commodities analysts warned that a US export ban could prove devastating for European diesel markets. Josh Michalowski of Argus Media noted that Europe would struggle to replace American supply on global markets. While European refineries produce approximately 70 percent of domestic diesel consumption, losing access to US cargoes would force buyers to compete more intensely with Asian purchasers for limited supplies from the Middle East and India, likely driving prices higher across the continent.
In the UK, where diesel fuels critical infrastructure including agriculture and logistics sectors, the potential supply disruption raises concerns about fuel availability and affordability. Officials stated that forecourts are currently supplied normally and that the UK maintains diverse and resilient supply chains while continuing engagement with international partners.
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