US President Donald Trump has claimed that European countries have agreed to release a “massive amount” of diesel from their strategic reserves in an effort to ease growing pressure on global fuel markets.
In a post on social media, Trump stated: “Europe has just agreed to release a massive amount of their heavily stocked Diesel Oil. The process will begin immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT.”
However, no formal confirmation from European leaders or governments had been issued immediately following Trump’s announcement. Officials across Europe are expected to provide further details as discussions on energy security and fuel supply continue.
The development comes amid concerns over a possible US restriction on diesel exports, a move being considered by the Trump administration as domestic fuel prices surge ahead of November’s midterm elections. The United States is one of the world’s largest diesel exporters, and any disruption to global supply could have significant consequences for international energy markets.
Meanwhile, diesel prices in the United Kingdom have reached record levels, with the RAC reporting that averages have climbed to around £2 per litre. Despite the sharp increase, fuel retailers in some areas say they have not witnessed widespread panic buying.
Shailesh Parekh, owner of Midland Motor Fuels Ltd, which operates seven petrol stations across England’s West Midlands, said three of his sites have already surpassed the £2-per-litre mark. While fuel orders have increased in recent weeks, he believes seasonal factors may also be contributing to higher demand.
“We have been ordering more fuel over the past couple of weeks, but I wonder if that’s just because it’s September and people are getting back to work,” he said, adding that he had not observed unusual buying behavior from customers.
For many motorists, however, rising diesel costs are having a direct impact on household and business budgets. Jim, a Hackney carriage driver licensed by Birmingham City Council, said his weekly fuel bill has risen sharply.
“I used to spend about £135 a week on diesel, now it’s around £185,” he said. According to the taxi driver, local fare regulations prevent him from passing the increased costs directly onto passengers, placing additional financial pressure on drivers.
Similar concerns are being reported across other parts of the country. Richard Braiden, from Buckinghamshire, said he has seen diesel prices exceed £2 per litre for several days and estimates that his monthly fuel expenses have increased dramatically.
“The price hit £2.05 over a week ago in High Wycombe, and I’ve seen it at £2.06 in Kent,” he said. “I travel a lot for work and spend around £320 a week now on fuel, compared to £200 before all this started. I’m spending nearly £500 a month extra on fuel.”
The surge in fuel costs is intensifying concerns among consumers, transport operators and businesses, as authorities on both sides of the Atlantic monitor supply disruptions and consider measures aimed at stabilizing the diesel market
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