U.S. officials said the request, made this week, is intended to reduce the risk of an economic shock as winter approaches and to contain further price surges in diesel – which powers commercial trucking, agriculture, construction, rail and maritime freight [3][4]. "It is in Europe's best interest to work with the United States as we pursue multiple pathways to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers," one U.S. official told Reuters [1][3][2].

Trump Cites Russia-Ukraine War as Supply Driver

Speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Sept. 30, U.S. President Donald Trump said he discusses a potential diesel export ban "every day," according to the report [3][5]. Trump added that an export ban would "have a negative impact on gasoline" prices but could lower diesel costs.

The real estate mogul blamed Russia's war in Ukraine for soaring prices [3][5]. Russia recently extended an export ban on the industrial fuel, the report stated [3].

Trump's remarks follow calls from Republican candidates in tight November races for the measure to curb record fuel prices, officials said [6]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration was examining whether a ban on diesel exports was feasible, Reuters reported [6].

"Well, I've called for that too. I've said, let's not send out the diesel," Trump said Tuesday, Sept. 29 according to the Epoch Times [6]. On Thursday, Oct. 1, Trump told reporters that Washington "may ask" European countries to release diesel from their emergency stockpiles. Bessent later remarked that European states should do so "immediately" [7].

Analysts Warn of Refining Crisis and Economic Risk
Goldman Sachs analysts said estimated dark exports helped boost Persian Gulf oil exports to 23.3 million barrels per day over the past week, back to prewar levels, according to the report [3]. Refined product exports remain at just half of their 2025 averages, the analysts noted [3].