White House looking to Europe to release diesel from strategic reserves

With diesel prices high and midterms approaching, the White House is weighing ways to ease costs while facing pressure not to ban diesel exports. This POLITICO report examines proposals being discussed with industry and European governments, including possible releases from strategic reserves.

What you’ll learn

• Why the administration is considering a diesel release from European reserves
• What other options are being discussed, including the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and changes to dyed diesel availability or fuel taxes
• Why industry executives and some GOP lawmakers oppose an export ban
• What European officials and energy analysts say about releasing diesel from reserves

Why this matters

High diesel prices are squeezing farmers during harvest season and adding pressure on Republicans ahead of the midterms. The administration’s options could affect fuel costs, oil markets, road funding and relations with European governments. The report also explores the limits of a reserve release: it could ease near-term pressure, but may not address the underlying supply concerns.

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