US warns France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face export ban

The Trump administration warned France and Germany on Oct. 10, 2026 to release emergency diesel stocks or risk a U.S. export ban, officials said.

The demand for 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months – about 660,000 barrels a day – is intended to bolster global supplies and temper rising fuel costs as the Northern Hemisphere heads into winter.

President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he discusses the potential ban daily and attributes the ongoing supply squeeze to Russia’s war in Ukraine. He added that an export ban would “have a negative impact on gasoline” prices but could help lower diesel costs.

A U.S. official told Reuters, “It is in Europe’s best interest to work with the United States as we pursue multiple pathways to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers.” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration expects Europe to announce how it will tap emergency diesel supplies soon.

Analysts have warned that elevated diesel prices could spark an economic shock comparable to the 2008 energy crisis. Bloomberg’s Mike McGlone warned of a possible shock, while Goldman analysts noted that refined‑product exports are still only half of 2025 averages despite a recent rebound in “dark exports” from the Persian Gulf.

The pressure on European governments arrives as the refined‑products crisis remains unresolved and winter demand looms. Without additional diesel, the United States may impose an export ban, a move that could reshape global fuel markets and affect trade flows across the Atlantic.

Europe’s response is expected within days, and the United States has signaled it will monitor compliance closely before deciding whether to activate the export ban.