British government officials moved to address concerns about fuel availability after the US administration threatened to restrict diesel exports. Transport Minister Keir Mather stated that the UK maintains access to multiple supply sources and possesses sufficient reserves to maintain normal operations. He emphasized that the domestic fuel market benefits from a resilient infrastructure designed to withstand disruptions.
The UK currently sources approximately 30% of its diesel from the United States, with the remainder primarily originating from European refineries. The country maintains emergency reserves sufficient for 42 days of consumption. Mather announced that government representatives are engaging with European counterparts regarding potential access to emergency stockpiles should supply pressures intensify.
Diesel prices in the UK reached unprecedented levels earlier this week, with the average retail price exceeding £2 per liter for the first time on record. The motoring organization RAC identified this development as a significant concern for drivers and called for extended government support through continued fuel duty reductions. The government has maintained a 5p cut in fuel duty through the end of the year, though discussions about further extensions continue.
The timing of these supply concerns coincided with scheduled maintenance at Fawley, the UK’s largest refinery in Hampshire, which is expected to cease operations for up to 10 weeks. The UK’s refining capacity has contracted substantially, with the number of operational refineries declining from 18 in the 1980s to four at present. EU officials including Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen indicated that European members of the International Energy Agency are evaluating options to release emergency diesel reserves to stabilize market conditions.
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