UK resists Trump's demand to release emergency diesel reserves as pump prices near £2 a litre and experts warn of £3
From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.
Trump has warned France and Germany to release their emergency diesel reserves or face a US export ban, with Washington's sharpest frustration directed at both countries over broken pledges on petroleum stocks.Britain holds just 40 days of diesel reserves — far below the 200-plus days stockpiled by some European nations — leaving it among the most exposed countries if Trump's threatened US export ban goes ahead.
Transport minister Keir Mather has insisted Britain has a "diverse" range of diesel supply and that no shortage is imminent, even as the government refuses to say whether it will comply with Trump's ultimatum. Energy minister Martin McCluskey joined crisis talks with France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and the European Commission on Thursday to consider a coordinated response. Britain holds only 40 days of diesel reserves — compared with more than 200 days in some other European nations — leaving it acutely exposed if Trump follows through on a threatened US export ban. The US is pressing the EU to release 120 million barrels in the next six months, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demanding European nations act "immediately."
UK diesel pump prices crossed £2 a litre this week, and experts warn they could reach £3 if the export ban goes ahead.
Trump's push is being driven by November's US midterm elections, as his Iran war and the Ukraine conflict continue to choke global oil supplies.
The American Petroleum Institute has warned a US export ban could have 'catastrophic' effects on the global market, potentially backfiring on Trump.
