Trump indicated he was weighing a ban on diesel exports from the United States while also raising the possibility of asking European nations to draw down their own fuel reserves. Diesel export curbs are under consideration by US authorities following armed conflict with Iran that has contributed to pump-price increases for consumers ahead of November's midterm vote.

Bessent called on Europe to prepare for the prompt release of diesel stocks, contending that cost pressures building across American agriculture, freight, and commerce should not fall disproportionately on those sectors. On social media, Bessent urged European nations to release additional supplies without delay, while aides were putting together a domestic tour that would take the president to campaign events on behalf of Republican contenders ahead of November's congressional races, with both chambers of Congress up for grabs.

Diesel reserve releases were among the topics raised when the UK met with European partners on Thursday, as part of discussions around a possible ban. On Thursday, Energy Minister Martin McCluskey joined a call with European counterparts to take up the question of a prospective ban.

Those backing a ban on diesel exports contend that restricting overseas shipments would expand the fuel available domestically and ease the cost at the pump. Analysts have noted that a prohibition of this kind could place upward strain on diesel costs in other nations, provided alternative supply sources remain out of reach.

Diesel flows out of the United States at a rate of roughly 1.2 to 1.5 million barrels each day, making it one of the world's leading sources of that fuel. More than half of the diesel used in the UK arrives via imports, with the United States accounting for roughly 31 per cent of that supply.

When asked on Thursday whether he would press European nations to draw down their own diesel stockpiles, Trump indicated the possibility, saying "We may do that." "A diesel supply is on hand," he noted. His publicly stated position holds that retaining any excess diesel within domestic borders would put downward pressure on fuel costs for motorists, freight operators, and commercial enterprises — a stance timed to the approach of the midterm vote.

Pump prices for diesel across the UK have climbed to an all-time high, with the RAC — a motoring organisation — reporting that the cost per litre is now sitting just below the 200p mark. Fuel costs for both petrol and diesel have risen across world markets following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Iran in February.

A person with knowledge of the talks told a broadcaster that aligning with other nations — EU members among them — on a joint response was a reasonable step to consider, though they noted that stockpiles from a multi-country strategic reserve release earlier in the year had not yet been fully drawn down, adding that supply sources were varied and the overall network remained stable. A government spokesperson indicated that dialogue with international partners and the domestic fuel sector remains ongoing.

Officials indicated no supply disruption was anticipated for diesel, while pump prices were expected to climb. Telephone calls and face-to-face meetings around the diesel matter were under way at a senior level, a European Commission spokesperson indicated, with those exchanges extending to contacts within the American administration.

Fuel exports in certain product categories were put on hold by refiners for October deliveries, with domestic supply needs taking precedence during that period. Reporters reached out to the Chinese embassy in Washington seeking a response.

Restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a waterway that ordinarily accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments — have contributed to a rise in petroleum-based product prices. Fuel prices also climbed after Russia — one of the world's top diesel-producing nations — halted exports of the commodity.