Britain is engaging in discussions with European allies concerning the potential release of emergency diesel stockpiles. These talks follow a threat from the US administration, led by Donald Trump, to halt US diesel supplies.
Ministers from the UK held calls on Thursday with counterparts from the European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, and Ireland. The purpose of these discussions was to consider drawing down reserves after the Trump administration reportedly told Germany and France to release their stockpiles to help mitigate soaring global energy prices or face a US export ban.
The US warning is seen as an escalation of pressure on Europe, as the Trump administration is reportedly considering a wider ban on exports to help lower domestic fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections in November. The UK Minister for Local Energy, Martin McCluskey, was reportedly on the call with EU countries.
The UK Chancellor, John Healey, acknowledged earlier this week that UK diesel prices were "extreme" and stated that the government was in discussions with the US to try and prevent a ban. The UK does not refine enough diesel to meet domestic demand, with about a third of its diesel imports last year coming from the US.