The government has moved to address concerns about a potential diesel shortage, with Transport Minister Keir Mather stating on Friday that the UK is not facing such an issue. This follows a threat from Donald Trump to cut off US diesel supplies.
Mr Mather said on ITV’s Good Morning Britain that the UK has a wide range of diesel sources, making its supply “inherently resilient”. He also confirmed that the UK is in discussions with other European countries regarding the potential release of emergency diesel stockpiles.
The UK receives approximately 30% of its diesel from the US, with the majority sourced from mainland Europe. The country currently holds reserve supplies for 42 days. Earlier this week, it was reported that the Fawley refinery in Hampshire, the UK's largest, is scheduled for a planned shutdown of up to 10 weeks for maintenance.
On Thursday, the UK initiated talks with European allies about releasing emergency diesel supplies. This came after the Trump administration reportedly instructed Germany and France to release their stockpiles to help manage rising prices or face a US supply ban.
The average price of a litre of diesel in the UK reached a record high of 199.72p on Wednesday, according to the RAC. Mr Mather noted that the government is aware of the price increases and has extended the 5p cut in fuel duty until the end of the year. The Chancellor is expected to address the future of the fuel duty freeze in the upcoming budget.
Separately, on Friday, EU Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen confirmed that Europe is discussing the release of emergency diesel reserves with all members of the International Energy Agency, not solely the US.