EU grows more confident Trump will not ban diesel exports

European Union officials have expressed cautious optimism that US President Donald Trump will drop his threat to impose a 90-day ban on diesel fuel exports, a measure he floated to fight rising fuel prices at home. Politico reported the development, republished by Yevropeiska Pravda.

Ireland's Energy Minister Darragh O'Brien said that during a visit to Washington last week he received assurances from Trump administration officials that a ban was unlikely. He noted that any 90-day diesel export ban would have a tangible impact on the EU, but based on what he learned in Washington, there did not appear to be intentions to move forward with it.

EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen echoed this view, saying he was pleased by public comments from US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who indicated that a diesel export ban would not work as intended.

Background

On September 23, it emerged that Trump was considering restricting diesel fuel exports amid record domestic fuel prices, with producers warning such a move would cause chaos in fuel markets. EU representatives warned that a potential 90-day US export ban could significantly affect European markets and harm both sides.

Media later reported that the White House had reportedly assured that the Trump administration does not plan to ban diesel fuel exports from the United States.