The British government moved to reassure citizens about fuel availability on Friday following statements from the US administration threatening to restrict diesel exports. Transport Minister Keir Mather indicated that the country maintains sufficient supply through multiple channels and has initiated discussions with European partners regarding potential emergency stockpile releases.
The UK sources approximately 30% of its diesel from the United States, with the remainder primarily originating from continental Europe. National reserves are sufficient to cover 42 days of consumption. Mather emphasized the inherent resilience of the supply system during a television appearance, stating that the public should not anticipate shortages. Officials indicated plans to engage with both European counterparts and the US administration to stress the importance of maintaining fuel flows into Britain.
Price pressures intensified when the average cost per litre of diesel in the UK surpassed £2 for the first time on Friday, according to the motoring organization the RAC. This milestone represents a significant threshold in fuel costs, with industry observers noting the ongoing upward trajectory. The country’s refinery capacity has declined substantially, with only four refineries currently operational compared to 18 operating in the 1980s. The largest facility, located in Hampshire, is scheduled to undergo maintenance requiring up to ten weeks of downtime.
The government has maintained a 5p reduction in fuel duty through the end of the year in response to pricing concerns. Industry advocates have urged policymakers to extend this measure into the following season. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen indicated that European nations were evaluating options regarding emergency diesel reserves in coordination with International Energy Agency members, noting that such measures had been deployed previously and would likely be implemented again if circumstances warranted.
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