UK in talks with EU partners to release strategic fuel reserves if needed, BBC understands

British officials have engaged in talks with European allies to discuss potentially releasing strategic diesel stockpiles if the United States moves forward with a ban on its fuel exports, according to BBC News.

The contingency discussions follow remarks from US President Donald Trump indicating he may call on European governments to tap their reserves as he weighs halting American diesel shipments. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously pushed Europe to immediately prepare and release stockpiles, arguing on social media that American agricultural workers, truckers, and firms must not bear the brunt of rising energy costs alone.

The White House is considering restricting foreign sales as domestic energy prices surge, driven largely by conflict involving Iran that began in February. The shutdown of the critical Strait of Hormuz, a passage that normally accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas transport, alongside an existing export halt from Russia, has sharply reduced international petroleum supplies. Trump is looking to ease domestic pump costs ahead of the November midterm elections, where congressional majorities will be decided.

The US serves as a major supplier on the global fuel market, shipping between 1.2 million and 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily. Industry specialists caution that shutting off this supply would intensify cost pressures for other nations. David Fyfe, chief economist at Argus Media, noted that removing American exports would likely cause international fuel prices to surge.

In the UK, pump costs have already reached historic peaks. Data from the RAC motoring group indicates that average diesel prices have climbed to 199.79 pence per litre, up sharply from 142.38 pence. Although Britain operates four refineries producing adequate supplies of petrol, domestic facilities do not generate enough diesel to satisfy overall consumption, leaving the country dependent on imports. Demand also remains steady because commercial transport and agriculture rely heavily on the fuel, even as Department for Transport figures show UK diesel vehicle registrations slipped from 15.7 million to 15.1 million over the past year.

British Energy Minister Martin McCluskey spoke with counterparts on the continent on Thursday to evaluate their collective options. An insider told the BBC that planning a coordinated response was sensible, noting that European countries still retain stocks left over from an earlier fuel reserve deployment this year.

A UK government spokesperson emphasized that national energy supplies remain diversified and resilient, adding that officials are staying in contact with the domestic fuel sector and international allies. Authorities have stated that direct supply deficits are not an immediate threat, although further price hikes are anticipated.

A European Commission representative also confirmed that numerous high-level meetings and communications are underway regarding the fuel market, including dialogue with American officials.