U.S. Warns France and Germany Over Diesel Reserves

The Trump administration has warned France and Germany to release emergency diesel reserves or risk a potential U.S. ban on diesel exports, according to people familiar with the discussions. The request reportedly seeks 120 million barrels over six months, but no European government has confirmed an agreement to release fuel. A source familiar with the talks described the requested volume and period, and another source cited in reporting gave the same figures. The accounts do not establish whether Washington formally addressed the request to the European Union, specific national governments or both. The amount is a request, not a confirmed release commitment. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that the administration expected European countries to announce additional diesel supplies soon. He told reporters that the United States had lost some diesel exports from the Middle East, although those flows were being restored, and had also lost exports from China. President Donald Trump has been considering restrictions on U.S. diesel exports as a way to increase domestic supply and lower prices for American consumers.