EU warns US over possible diesel export ban
The European Union has warned the United States about the risks of possible restrictions on American diesel fuel exports. The European Commission believes that supply disruptions could negatively affect both the European and American markets amid the existing global fuel shortage.
“Any disruptions could negatively impact both sides,” — said European Commission spokesman Olof Gill.
According to him, Brussels expects close partners to consult with each other before introducing measures that could affect common markets.
The discussion began after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly supported the idea of limiting diesel exports. He said he had discussed the possibility of keeping more fuel domestically, where diesel prices had reached record levels.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the administration is analyzing the technical feasibility of such a measure and considering both full and partial restriction options. No final decision has been made yet.
Moreover, on September 23, a White House representative denied reports that Washington was already preparing a 90-day full export ban. Energy Secretary Chris Wright also opposed such a scenario, calling a full ban too blunt an instrument.
According to him, if American refineries lose the ability to sell diesel abroad, they could face an oversupply of products and the need to cut oil processing. As a result, this could drive up gasoline and jet fuel prices within the United States itself.
For Europe, a possible restriction is particularly sensitive due to a sharp increase in dependence on American fuel. According to data cited by The Guardian from market participants, the US supplied about a third of Europe’s diesel imports during 2026, and by August its share reached about half of all supplies.
Europe’s need for American diesel has grown amid a reduction in available volumes from refineries in Russia and the Middle East. The global oil products market remains tight, and diesel prices are rising faster than crude oil prices.
The European Commission previously reported that there is currently no immediate threat of a shortage of oil products in the EU. European refineries have increased production, and commercial and strategic reserves remain sufficient. However, Brussels warned that the situation in the Middle East and the traditional rise in demand in autumn and winter could further tighten the market.
Experts believe that even if American supplies are restricted, gas stations in Europe are unlikely to run out of diesel: about 70% of consumption is met by the region’s own refineries. However, European buyers will have to compete more actively for cargoes from the Middle East and India, which could lead to further increases in wholesale and retail prices.
Thus, for now it is not about an adopted ban, but a measure being discussed by the American administration. The European Commission continues consultations with the US and intends to separately review the situation on the European oil products market within the framework of the Oil Coordination Group.
Source: The Guardian, European Commission, European Commission
