UK under pressure as Trump demands release of emergency diesel stocks before midterms

Britain could face a diesel crisis this winter if Europe bows to US President Donald Trump’s demands to release emergency fuel stocks before November’s mid-term elections.

The Daily Mail reports that Trump is pressing Western countries to bring down energy prices, which are spiking as the Iran war continues. He has said he is “very seriously” considering restrictions on diesel exports. The US is the world’s biggest exporter.

UK officials have spoken with counterparts in Germany, France, Italy and Ireland about using stockpiles. Britain holds only 40 days’ worth of diesel reserves, while some nations have more than 200 days.

A Whitehall source warned: “These reserve stocks are there to act as a buffer against supply shortages. They are not there to bring fuel prices down.”

Transport minister Keir Mather said: “People shouldn’t be concerned about shortages because of the inherent resilience that is built into that system.”

Many UK garages already charge £2 a litre for diesel, and experts warn prices could hit £3 if the US follows through on its threats.