US Demands European Diesel Stockpile Release Amid Threats of Export Ban

The White House has asked Germany, France, and the European Union to release 120 million barrels of emergency diesel reserves over six months, warning of a potential U.S. diesel export ban if they do not comply. The ultimatum aims to curb soaring fuel costs ahead of midterm elections after U.S. diesel hit a record $6.53 per gallon. Amid the geopolitical friction, Brent crude approached $99.96 per barrel and WTI rose past $92.38 per barrel. Meanwhile, European officials are discussing release feasibility as analysts warn an export ban could fill U.S. storage within weeks.