The White House is turning up the heat on Europe over fuel prices. Reuters reported Thursday, citing three people close to the talks, that the administration told France and Germany to release emergency diesel inventories — 120 million barrels over six months — or face a potential U.S. ban on diesel exports.
The administration's case: American diesel just hit a record $6.529, and voters feel it at the pump five weeks before the midterms. "It is in Europe's best interest to work with the United States as we pursue multiple pathways to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers," a U.S. official told Reuters. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday he expects announcements soon from Europe, noting the U.S. has "lost diesel exports from the Middle East" and from China. Officials add that Paris and Berlin haven't fully followed through on earlier commitments to release emergency stocks.
The other side has gone quiet. Germany's economy ministry didn't respond to Reuters; France's energy ministry declined to comment. An Élysée official said Macron and Trump never discussed the issue when they met at the UN General Assembly last week. No ban has been ordered — for now, it's leverage, and the White House is betting lower fuel prices are worth the diplomatic friction.