by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The European Union’s energy task force was to weigh its options Friday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s administration told Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel reserves to help ease soaring global fuel prices or face a potential U.S. diesel export ban.
The task force, comprising the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, and representatives of the bloc’s 27 member states, was due to hold a call Friday morning to discuss the situation, according to a Commission spokesperson.
This standoff comes amid mounting pressure on Trump over high fuel prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. While the president himself is not on the ballot, the outcome could dramatically change the political landscape by determining control of Congress and potentially affecting his ability to advance his agenda.
U.S. officials have been particularly frustrated with France and Germany, which Washington believes have not fully followed through on earlier commitments to release emergency oil and petroleum reserves.
One European source told Reuters that Washington has asked the EU to release 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months. Such a move would amount to more than 40 percent of the bloc’s emergency diesel and gasoil reserves, based on the latest available EU data.
EUROPE FACES DILEMMA
Germany and France together hold about 35 percent of the EU’s strategic diesel reserves, making the two countries central to any large-scale release.
For European governments, however, drawing heavily on emergency reserves presents a dilemma: releasing diesel could help reduce prices now but leave countries with smaller strategic stockpiles if the global fuel crisis worsens.
Europe has become increasingly dependent on U.S. fuel supplies after banning Russian petroleum-product imports following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and as the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupted supplies from the Middle East.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed confidence that Europe would help ease prices by releasing emergency diesel supplies.
“This is a time for a coordinated release of diesel stores as we go into harvest season and we go into winter heating oil season,” Wright told broadcaster Fox News. “Now’s the time to bring more diesel to the market.”
GLOBAL SUPPLIES TIGHTEN
The dispute comes as global fuel supplies are being squeezed from several directions. Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports through the end of October as Ukrainian attacks have damaged Russian refineries, while Chinese refiners have suspended fuel exports for October to protect domestic supplies.
Trump earlier urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian diesel infrastructure and oil refineries, saying the strikes were contributing to a global diesel shortage and driving up prices. “We spoke to Mr. Zelenskyy about it,” Trump recalled last month, adding that Ukraine had “plenty of other targets.”
However, critics question how much leverage Trump has over Kyiv as Europe has increasingly taken on the financial burden of supporting Ukraine, including purchasing U.S.-made weapons for the country, while Washington has scaled back its direct role.
Russia has also continued attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The two countries have discussed a possible halt to attacks on energy targets, but efforts to establish a lasting arrangement have faced difficulties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Thursday that Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries had “partially achieved” their objectives and cost Russia about 1 percent of its gross domestic product. However, he made clear Moscow would not resume diesel supplies to global markets until sanctions against Russia were lifted.
IRAN WAR ADDS PRESSURE
The war involving Iran has further disrupted one of the world’s major sources of oil and refined fuels, increasing concerns about supplies moving through the Middle East.
Oil prices reflected those concerns Thursday, with international benchmark Brent crude jumping more than $4 to settle above $102 a barrel. Prices edged higher again Friday.
Amid mounting concerns about an energy crisis ahead of winter, French President Emmanuel Macron was meanwhile expected to convene a video conference of Group of Seven leaders to discuss rising fuel prices and the availability of refined petroleum products, including the possibility of coordinating the release of reserves with the International Energy Agency.
The escalating dispute added to already strained relations between Washington and Europe, which have been tested by disagreements over tariffs, defense spending, and the wars involving Ukraine and Iran.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
