US tells France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face US export ban, sources say

According to Business Recorder, three people close to the talks say Washington has pressed Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel reserves or face a possible US export ban. The demand signals a sharper push on Europe, arriving as President Trump weighs such a ban to bring fuel costs down before the November midterms.

Officials from the European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain were scheduled to join a Thursday call on whether diesel stocks should be released. A separate source in a European capital reported that Washington wants the EU to free up 120 million barrels of diesel within six months. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, expected new European diesel supply announcements soon.

The Elysee Palace said Macron and Trump never raised the matter during their talks at the UN General Assembly in New York, held last week. Macron, however, plans a G7 leaders' video call focused on higher fuel costs and product supply, with reserve releases to be coordinated alongside the International Energy Agency. Europe now leans heavily on American fuel, having turned away Russian imports and seen Middle East supply hit by the conflict with Iran.