The EU warned Washington that restricting US diesel exports could hurt both economies. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said any limits would be voluntary, not an outright ban; the US supplied around half of EU diesel imports in August.
The EU is more reliant on imports than the US. Its average diesel price across the bloc’s 27 member states reached a record €2.23 per litre, according to an AFP analysis of European Commission data published Thursday. Commission spokesman Olof Gill said the EU expects close partners to consult before measures affect shared markets.
Trump signalled support for an export ban as high fuel prices put Republicans’ control of Congress at risk in November’s midterm elections. The American Exploration & Production Council urged policymakers to reject the proposal. Oil and gas groups warned curbs could push up US diesel and petrol prices, while some lobbyists said coordination among refiners could raise antitrust concerns.
