Britain holds emergency diesel talks with Europe as US supply fears grow
Britain is holding talks with its European counterparts over releasing diesel stockpiles amid fears the US will cut off supplies.
Discussions have been held with Germany, France, Italy and Ireland as concerns grow the UK may needs to have its energy stocks bolstered.
It comes as the US tells both France and Germany to release emergency diesel stocks or face a possible ban on diesel supplies.
The talks are taking place as global supplies have been hit by the on-going Middle East war and also the Ukraine war triggering a ban on Russian diesel exports.
One US official said: “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.”
Britain heavily relies on the US for its diesel supplies with 55 per cent coming from America.
The RAC have said this week that a third of forecourts have been selling diesel at £2 per litre.
It comes after a warning from a former BP Executive that millions of drivers could face “restraints” this winter on filling up their motors with diesel, a former BP executive says.
Record pump prices could see restrictions imposed to allow enough supplies for critical sectors such as food and the NHS, Nick Butler warned.
The ex-Downing Street aide raised concerns about the UK’s storage and refining capabilities as the average price of diesel hit a record record highs.
Chancellor John Healey is under mounting pressure to scrap plans for a fuel duty hike over concerns for the economy and the cost of living.
Mr Butler told TimesRadio earlier this week: “There’s going to be real competition across Europe and across the world for any supplies that are available.”
A government spokesman said: “We have a diverse and resilient supply. We continue to engage with our international partners and the UK fuel industry.”
Deputy Editor
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