The administration of US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked France and Germany to release a portion of their emergency diesel reserves in an effort to lower global prices. According to sources close to the discussions, the US is seeking to address rising fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections. The move is seen as an attempt to pressure the two European countries into cooperation. The request comes as global diesel prices near record highs.
The US criticism of France and Germany stems from a commitment made in March to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from the International Energy Agency's (IEA) reserves. The IEA's decision was made in response to disruptions caused by the war in Iran. The European Union as a whole has met its obligations, but US officials claim that France and Germany have not done their part. According to European figures, Germany released 19.5 million barrels and France released 14.6 million barrels.
The US is seeking a significant release of diesel reserves from the European Union, with a source based in a European capital stating that the US is requesting 120 million barrels of diesel be released onto the market within six months. France and Germany hold significant reserves, with France having approximately 8.2 million tonnes of emergency diesel and gasoil stocks in May 2025, and Germany holding 5.6 million tonnes. This represents around 35% of the EU's total reserves of 39 million tonnes.
The request from the US has sparked a reaction from European officials. The French government has stated that President Emmanuel Macron has not recently discussed the issue with Trump. However, France is preparing for a G7 videoconference focused on fuel prices. The European Commission, which assessed the supply situation as stable after a meeting on September 29, has convened representatives from France, Italy, Ireland, and the UK to discuss a common position.
The US threat to restrict diesel exports to France and Germany if they refuse to release their reserves has raised concerns about the potential impact on global fuel markets. The move is seen as an attempt to influence the midterm elections in the US, where rising fuel costs have become a significant issue. The French and German governments have not yet made any announcements about releasing their diesel reserves.
The issue highlights the complexities of global energy markets and the challenges of coordinating responses to supply disruptions. The IEA's decision to release emergency reserves in March was made in response to a significant disruption to global oil supplies. However, the US request for France and Germany to release their diesel reserves has sparked concerns about the potential impact on European energy security.
The European Commission's efforts to coordinate a response to the US request are ongoing. The Commission has convened representatives from several EU member states to discuss a common position. However, with no announcements from Paris or Berlin, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop. The US request has added to tensions between the US and Europe over energy policy.
Key points
- The US is seeking to release 120 million barrels of diesel onto the market within six months.
- France and Germany hold significant diesel reserves, with France having approximately 8.2 million tonnes and Germany holding 5.6 million tonnes.
- The US request has sparked concerns about the potential impact on European energy security and global fuel markets.
