UK Holds Emergency Talks With U.S. as Diesel Crisis Escalates
UK energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has opened urgent talks with US energy secretary Chris Wright amid warnings from the Biden administration that Donald Trump may restrict US diesel exports to Europe. The discussions come as the UK and EU face pressure to release emergency fuel stocks to counter a global diesel shortage driven by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Why It Matters
A US curtailment of diesel shipments would remove a substantial portion of Britain’s supply at a time of already-tight global markets, raising pump prices and straining domestic fuel availability. The outcome could force coordinated use of strategic reserves and international diplomatic responses to stabilise refined fuel flows.
Key Facts
- UK lead negotiator: Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh
- US counterpart: US energy secretary Chris Wright
- Source reported by: City AM (Ali Lyon)
- UK imports share of diesel: Over half of its refined diesel supply
- Share of UK diesel from US: Roughly one third of UK diesel imports
British energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is in direct contact with US energy secretary Chris Wright to discuss the possibility that the United States could curb diesel exports to Europe, City AM reports. The moves follow pressure from the Trump administration on the UK and EU to release emergency fuel reserves to help alleviate a global diesel shortage linked to conflicts in the Middle East and attacks on major refineries.
According to the report, President Trump is considering a range of protectionist measures if Europe resists tapping its strategic stocks, from limiting exports to specific countries to a complete ban on US-produced diesel. Energy minister Martin McCluskey took part in a call with European Commission officials where participants agreed to stay closely coordinated as the situation evolves.
Any loss of US-sourced diesel would have a major impact on the UK, which currently relies on imports for more than half its diesel needs and gets about a third of those imports from the United States. The risk to supply is amplified by planned maintenance at the Fawley refinery in Hampshire — Britain’s largest — which is due to close for around ten weeks and produces kerosene for Heathrow and about one fifth of diesel sold at UK forecourts.
Diesel prices have climbed sharply amid the supply disruption: retail diesel in Britain has reached about 200p per litre, close to the record highs seen after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. City AM reports that filling a typical family car now costs almost £110 — around £31 more than before the Iran conflict — figures cited during comments by Chancellor John Healey, who described prices as "extreme." The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it maintains a "diverse and resilient supply" and continues to engage international partners and the fuel industry.