The U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, has asked European countries to release more than one-third of their strategic diesel reserves to reduce fuel costs. This request comes as fuel prices have risen significantly, and the Trump administration is seeking ways to alleviate this economic pressure.
Details of the Proposed Plan
According to this plan, European Union countries must release 120 million barrels of diesel from their national reserves within 180 days. This amount is equivalent to more than one-third of the 315 million barrels of diesel that EU countries have in reserve as of June this year. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland have the largest diesel reserves in the EU.
The aim of this action is said to be to lower global diesel prices and consequently reduce fuel costs for consumers. This proposal is presented as an alternative solution to Trump's threat regarding a ban on diesel exports from the United States. According to officials, this plan has been informally discussed with various European countries, and negotiations are ongoing.
Positions of European Countries and the United States
While German officials have confirmed that the United States has contacted Berlin regarding this matter, reports also indicate that France and other countries have separately discussed this plan. A senior European energy official stated: "This was a very hypothetical issue: 'What is your opinion on releasing part of the reserves to reduce prices?'".
Wright, who has discussed this with Trump at the White House, announced that the government will soon take actions to reduce diesel prices, and it is expected that European countries will also take measures in this regard.
Trump also confirmed at an event in the Oval Office that the ban on diesel exports is still on the agenda, stating: "We talk about it every day." He also noted that this ban could have a negative impact on gasoline prices, and for this reason, he is considering various aspects of this decision.
In conclusion, announcements from European countries regarding new diesel supplies to the market are expected, which could help reduce prices.
