US President Donald Trump says his administration may ask European countries to release emergency diesel reserves as Washington looks for ways to increase fuel supplies and bring down rising prices.
Trump's comments come as the United States considers restricting diesel exports. The possible move has increased pressure on European governments, which are already dealing with tight fuel supplies and record prices.
European Union countries discussed a French proposal on Friday to release around 50 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves. The proposal is also linked to wider discussions about a coordinated release of crude oil by International Energy Agency members.
The US administration has been urging European countries to make additional fuel available. Reuters reported that Washington had specifically pressed France and Germany to release emergency diesel stocks, warning that a US export restriction could follow if Europe did not act.
The issue is particularly important for Britain because the UK relies heavily on imported diesel. UK officials have said the country's fuel supply remains resilient, while the government continues discussions with European partners and the fuel industry.
The pressure comes as UK diesel prices have reached a record £2 per litre, with the RAC reporting an average of 200.01 pence on Friday.
European governments are now weighing how much fuel they can release while still maintaining sufficient emergency reserves in case global supply disruptions continue.