Trump Threatens A Diesel Export Ban As UK Prices Hit A Record Near 200p A Litre — Here's What It Could Mean For You

US President Donald Trump has said he may ban American diesel exports and could ask Europe to release its own reserves. It lands just as UK diesel prices hit an all-time high.

What Has Been Said

Trump told reporters on Thursday that he may ask European countries to release some of their diesel stocks. "We may do that. They have some diesel," he said, according to BBC News.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went further. He urged Europe to make extra supplies "immediately available", arguing that US farmers, truckers and businesses should not be left carrying the burden of high prices.

The move comes ahead of the US midterm elections in November. Trump argues that keeping more diesel at home would bring down pump prices for American drivers.

Why The UK Is Watching Closely

The UK relies heavily on imported diesel. Over half of what it uses is imported, and 31% of those imports come from the US, the BBC reports.

The UK's four refineries make more than enough petrol, but not enough diesel. That leaves the country exposed if US supply is cut.

Diesel prices are already at a record. The RAC's latest figures put the average at 199.79p per litre, up from 142.38p. That is just under the 200p mark.

Why A US Ban Could Backfire Elsewhere

The US exports between 1.2 and 1.5 million barrels of diesel a day. A ban would flood the American market and could cut prices there sharply.

But experts warn it would push prices up everywhere else. David Fyfe, chief economist at Argus Media, said cutting off American supply would be likely to send international prices soaring, per the BBC.

Diesel is harder to refine than petrol. It also powers haulage and farming, so demand is very hard to reduce.

How We Got Here

Fuel prices have climbed worldwide since the US-Israel war in Iran began in February. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries around a fifth of the world's oil and gas, has squeezed supplies of oil-based products.

Other pressures are stacking up. A Russian export ban has tightened supply further. Chinese refiners have also reportedly halted October exports of some fuel products as Beijing prioritises its own market, though the BBC says it has asked the Chinese embassy for comment.

What Governments Are Doing

UK Energy Minister Martin McCluskey joined a call with European counterparts on Thursday to discuss the possible ban. Sky News reports the UK has joined crisis talks with Brussels on emergency stocks.

A source told the BBC it was sensible to prepare a co-ordinated response. They added that some European reserves remain from a joint release of strategic fuel stocks earlier this year.

A European Commission spokesperson said there were "lots of calls, lots of meetings" under way, including with senior US officials. The UK government says its supply is "diverse and resilient" and that there is no cause for concern about shortages. Prices, though, are expected to rise further.

The Short Version

• Trump is considering banning US diesel exports and may ask Europe to release reserves.
• UK diesel hit a record 199.79p per litre this week.
• Experts warn a US ban could push prices higher outside America, and UK and EU officials are in emergency talks.

What Happens Next

No ban has been announced yet. Trump has only said he is considering one, and Europe has not agreed to release stocks.

Watch for the outcome of the UK and EU talks. Also watch whether Washington follows its words with formal action, and whether pump prices move again.

Would you accept higher prices at home to help ease a global fuel squeeze, or should countries look after their own drivers first? Tell us in the comments.

Sources: BBC News | Sky News