The British government moved to reassure the public about fuel availability following threats from the US administration to restrict diesel exports. Transport Minister Keir Mather stated that the UK maintains adequate supply chains and has engaged in discussions with European partners regarding potential emergency reserves.
The UK typically sources approximately 30% of its diesel from the United States, with the majority coming from mainland Europe. The country maintains reserve supplies sufficient for 42 days of consumption. Mather emphasized that the supply infrastructure has inherent resilience built into its system and that government officials are working with European counterparts and US administration officials to maintain fuel flows into the country.
Diesel prices in the UK reached a record high on Friday, exceeding £2 per litre for the first time. The motoring organization RAC reported the average price reached 200.01 pence per litre with no indication of stabilization. This development comes amid reports that Fawley refinery in Hampshire, the UK’s largest, is scheduled to undergo maintenance lasting up to 10 weeks. The UK currently operates four refineries, compared with 18 during the 1980s.
The government has maintained a 5p reduction in fuel duty through the end of the year as a measure to mitigate price impacts on consumers. EU Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen indicated that European nations were discussing potential releases of emergency diesel reserves with International Energy Agency members, noting this measure has been deployed previously and would likely be used again if needed.
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