EU rejects US diesel export ban: tensions over energy supply

In the EU, a diesel export ban being considered by the US government under Donald Trump is clearly rejected. “A ban would not be of any benefit to anyone,” said a spokeswoman for the EU Commission in Brussels. “It would undermine our trust in the United States as a reliable partner.” The European Union is ready for joint action within the framework of the International Energy Agency (IEA). It is the agency's job to organize a possible release of reserves.

Trump recently announced that he would consider banning the export of diesel, which would also affect European countries. The US produces a lot of diesel and a pause in exports could also have a small effect on fuel prices in the country, Trump said. The consequences of such a step could then also be felt in Europe: after the Middle East, the United States has been Europe's most important supplier of diesel in recent years.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on Platform X on Thursday that Europe should “immediately provide additional delivery quantities”. “America is doing its part. We expect our allies to follow up on their commitments with action.”

On Friday morning, representatives of the Commission and Member States met as part of the so-called Energy Union Task Force to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation on the diesel market and the impact on prices. “Diesel supplies in the EU remain stable for the time being, but prices remain high, reflecting the tense situation on global markets,” it said after the meeting. The Commission and the Task Force will continue to monitor the situation in the EU very closely and coordinate the necessary actions. A spokesman for the Irish Presidency said that representatives of the EU countries would meet to discuss the global energy situation.

In view of rising fuel prices worldwide, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to US President Donald Trump that night. It was about global energy supply and “the need to take joint action against the rise in fuel prices and ensure the global availability of refined products,” as it was said from the Élysée Palace in Paris. Macron reportedly emphasized that the G7 countries had a common interest in acting in a coordinated manner, without restricting exports.

France holds the presidency of the G7 this year. According to information from the Élysée, the country is also working with the IEA. The heads of state and government of the G7 countries, chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, wanted to speak about the global energy situation via video link in the afternoon, according to reports from the Élysée Palace in Paris.