Member states are now weighing whether to release strategic fuel reserves to stave off a trade confrontation with Washington. The European Union is coordinating a unified position after the Trump administration demanded that France and Germany discharge 120 million barrels of emergency diesel over the next six months to lower global prices. According to sources, the U.S. has threatened a ban on diesel exports if the two governments do not comply, as the White House seeks to ease fuel costs before the November midterm elections.

France and Germany together hold about 35% of the EU's strategic diesel reserves, with France holding 8.2 million tons and Germany 5.6 million tons. U.S. officials claim both countries have failed to meet promises made in March to release stocks following supply shocks from the war in Iran. The push for reserves comes as U.S. diesel averages $6.44 a gallon and European nations rely heavily on American imports after banning Russian fuel.