The pressure worked. President Trump posted on Truth Social Friday that Europe has agreed to release "a massive amount of their heavily stocked Diesel Oil," declaring "the process will begin immediately."
Hours later, G7 leaders put it in writing: after a videoconference chaired by France, they said they "will implement our commitments" by releasing 100 million barrels over four months — including a "frontloaded substantial diesel release within the first 20 days." Trump had spoken with France's Emmanuel Macron on Thursday evening and with G7 leaders Friday morning, a White House official told CNN.
The backdrop: Washington asked the EU to free up 120 million barrels of diesel over six months, warning of a possible US diesel export ban if Europe didn't move. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American "farmers, truckers, and businesses should not be left carrying the burden" of record prices — US diesel hit an all-time high above $6.50 a gallon five weeks before the midterms.
Europe's side: EU officials held emergency talks Friday, and they're furious about the tactic. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned a ban would have "very dramatic consequences for our economic performance," and the Commission said it "would undermine our trust in the United States as a reliable partner." The fuel is flowing — but the alliance just took a hit.