European countries agree on response to US demand to open diesel reserves - media

Five European countries have agreed to coordinate a response to pressure from Washington, which is demanding the release of part of the emergency diesel fuel reserves and allows for possible restrictions on American exports to Europe.

According to Politico, citing European officials, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Ireland, as well as the European Commission, took part in urgent negotiations.

The parties agreed to present a unified position to the United States. Furthermore, they want decisions on the possible use of oil and fuel reserves to be made through the International Energy Agency, rather than through separate agreements with Washington.

At the same time, European governments are seeking to prevent further escalation of the dispute. According to the publication, the agreed approach provides for firm but restrained communication with the United States and an attempt to reduce tensions. A wider group of countries is to discuss the issue at a separate meeting.

The urgent consultations were prompted by the demands of the administration of US President Donald Trump to increase the supply of diesel on the world market. Earlier, Kurs Ukrainy wrote that Washington called on France and Germany to start using emergency fuel reserves, allowing for possible restrictions on American diesel exports otherwise.

According to Politico, US pressure was not limited to these two countries. Other European governments also received private appeals demanding the use of reserves. The American side, in particular, discussed the release of about 120 million barrels of diesel over six months – this would amount to more than a third of the EU's total diesel reserves.

The issue is particularly sensitive for Europe due to its significant dependence on American supplies. According to estimates cited by Politico, the US currently provides more than half of Europe's diesel imports. Therefore, possible export restrictions could exacerbate fuel shortages and price pressure in the region.

Trump has not yet ruled out the possibility of export restrictions. The US president said he was discussing this scenario with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, although he acknowledged that an export ban could have a side effect on the prices of other fuels.