Europe shrugs off Trump's threatened diesel export ban despite supply warnings
Although the US is weighing a 90-day ban on diesel exports that could significantly disrupt European supply, most European governments are reacting calmly, calling such a move unlikely.
Reports emerged that the White House is preparing a possible 90-day ban on U.S. diesel exports, a move that would create a major gap in Europe's fuel supply, given diesel's heavy use in transport and industry. The plan puts President Donald Trump at odds with the fuel industry and even parts of his own administration, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who opposes the measure.
Last month the U.S. supplied 420,000 barrels of diesel to EU countries and the U.K., accounting for more than half of total imports, according to Kpler data. Europe's dependence on American diesel has grown in recent months after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sharply cut imports from Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
An industry figure granted anonymity warned that any further restriction on available fuel could quickly become "very serious," noting that diesel inventories are already under pressure and Europe has few easy alternatives left after diversifying away first from Russian and then Middle Eastern supplies.
Muted official response
Czech Trade Minister Karel Havlíček said he believed the ban "will not actually materialize," citing its potential negative impact on world markets, and welcomed Wright's opposing stance. He added that direct U.S. diesel exports to the Czech Republic are insignificant.
A German government spokesperson declined to directly address the threat, saying Berlin is doing everything possible to maintain supply security. Germany imported 30,000 barrels of U.S. diesel last month, with U.S. imports making up about 18% of its total diesel imports this year.
The U.K., Europe's largest importer of American diesel at 108,000 barrels last month, said fuel stations are being supplied as normal. However, Labour MP Bill Esterson, who chairs the Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, warned that restricted supply would be a major concern for drivers, given prices are already high due to the war in Iran.
France, which imported 42,000 barrels, and the European Commission declined to comment. Since the Iran war began, diesel imports from Qatar have dried up entirely, while supplies from Kuwait, Oman and the UAE have partially recovered in recent months, though they remain far below U.S. volumes.
