Trump says US may ask Europe to release diesel reserves | Donald Trump News
U.S. Contemplates Request for Europe to Release Diesel Reserves Amid Rising Prices
Published on Oct. 2, 2026
President Donald Trump indicated that the United States may request European nations to release their diesel reserves as part of efforts to address rising diesel prices triggered by ongoing conflicts in Iran.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Trump stated that his administration might pursue this request, following a call from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for European countries to “immediately” utilize their diesel stocks.
“Our European partners should accelerate delivery on their existing commitments and make additional supplies immediately available to address ongoing disruptions,” Bessent wrote in a social media post.
Additionally, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer expressed confidence that France, Germany, and Italy would be open to collaborating with the United States to increase diesel availability in the market.
Throughout Thursday, European officials coordinated measures related to diesel supplies, while U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism that releasing emergency diesel inventories could help alleviate soaring global prices.
Recently, U.S. diesel prices have surged, reaching a record of $6.53 per gallon last week. According to data from the European Commission, 12 EU member states, including Italy, Belgium, Romania, and Poland, have also recorded all-time high diesel prices.
This rise in diesel prices has led the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers to consider imposing restrictions on U.S. diesel exports, as they approach the upcoming midterm elections.
France and Germany together control more than one-third of the EU’s strategic diesel reserves. However, EU Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic warned that a U.S. ban on diesel exports would be “unexpected” and could have negative repercussions for Europe’s economy.
