US pressures EU to release diesel reserves amid rising energy costs

The United States government has urged European Union members to release diesel from their strategic reserves to address record-high fuel prices that are significantly impacting industry, road freight, and agriculture. Washington is specifically targeting France and Germany, which hold over 35% of the total EU stockpile, requesting the release of 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months. US officials have expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that Paris and Berlin have failed to comply with previously agreed-upon actions under the International Energy Agency to mitigate supply disruptions caused by the war in Iran.

In response to the perceived lack of cooperation, the US has reportedly threatened to restrict its own diesel exports to Europe, a move that could severely disrupt the European fuel market. EU states are currently compliant with mandatory requirements to maintain reserves covering 90 days of net imports or 61 days of domestic consumption. As of May 2025, European diesel and heating oil stocks stood at 39 million metric tons. The ongoing tensions are exacerbated by geopolitical instability in the Middle East and threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining upward pressure on international energy prices.