Germany and France hold about 35% of the EU’s emergency diesel reserves. The Trump administration has pressed the countries to release stocks or face a U.S. export ban, sources said.
The Trump administration has pressed Germany and France to release diesel from their emergency stocks or face a U.S. export ban, sources said. One source said the United States asked the EU to release 120 million barrels over the next six months.
Germany held 5.6 million tons of emergency gasoil and diesel stocks and France held 8.2 million tons in May 2025, together accounting for about 35% of the EU total. A 120-million-barrel release would draw down more than 40% of the 39 million metric tons held by EU states, according to the article’s calculations. EU rules require member states to hold stocks covering at least 90 days of net imports or 61 days of domestic consumption, whichever is greater; the bloc is complying.
Diesel prices have surged to record or near-record levels in several markets. The article said Europe has become increasingly dependent on diesel imports from the United States, particularly as the Iran war cuts Middle East supplies. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the bloc had discussed possible additional releases with the IEA but had not decided whether to ask members for more.
