President Donald Trump said Thursday the United States may ask European countries to release diesel reserves as his administration considers restricting US diesel exports amid rising fuel prices linked to the war in Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Europe to make supplies available immediately, saying US farmers, truckers and businesses should not bear the burden of higher prices. Deutsche Welle reported the administration specifically pressed Germany and France. AAA data cited by Deutsche Welle showed average US diesel prices had risen more than 70% since the start of the Iran war, reaching $6.39 a gallon.
The European Union is due to hold an emergency meeting Friday, according to Deutsche Welle. The BBC reported that Britain held talks with European partners Thursday about a possible reserve release if the United States imposes an export ban. The BBC also said the US exports 1.2 million to 1.5 million barrels of diesel a day.