The United States is pressing France and Germany to release diesel reserves, with an export ban reportedly being considered if they do not comply. The move could affect European fuel supplies and add pressure to already tight diesel markets.

The Trump administration has told France and Germany to draw down emergency diesel inventories to help lower global fuel prices or face a potential U.S. diesel export ban, Reuters reported, citing three people close to the discussions. Washington has asked the European Union to release 120 million barrels of diesel over six months, according to one European source. The pressure comes as Europe relies heavily on U.S. fuel imports and global diesel markets remain tight following Middle East supply disruptions.