The European Union has firmly rejected a U.S. ultimatum that threatens to impose a ban on diesel exports if Brussels refuses to release additional oil from its strategic reserves, according to an official representative of the European Commission on October 2.
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the EU’s representative, stated that such a move would not benefit anyone and would undermine trust in the United States as a reliable partner.
Itkonen explained that during the current energy crisis, restrictions imposed by Washington would harm both sides and damage the transatlantic partnership. She added that while the next meeting of the European Union’s Oil Coordination Group was scheduled for October 15, officials are prepared to hold an emergency session earlier due to concerns over potential supply cuts.
On October 1, U.S. demands prompted calls for Germany and France to utilize emergency diesel fuel reserves, threatening restrictions on exports to Europe. Diplomatic sources indicated that Washington sought to lower domestic prices ahead of the midterm elections by increasing supplies from European storage facilities over the coming months.
