France urges EU to release strategic oil and diesel reserves amid US pressure

During a gathering of senior EU energy officials, France put forward a plan for member states to release a substantial share of their strategic oil and diesel inventories to counter soaring diesel costs. The move responds to a demand from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who warned that failure to supply could trigger export restrictions on fuel. While France is ready to participate, Germany signaled hesitation, insisting that any release should be justified by genuine supply-security needs.

The proposal remains in a technical assessment phase, with uncertainty over whether the release will be coordinated at the EU level or handled bilaterally. French government spokespeople dismissed circulating media reports as rumors, and the French presidency announced that President Emmanuel Macron will call a G7 leaders’ meeting to discuss global fuel supply challenges. The International Energy Agency is expected to play a coordinating role if the EU proceeds with a collective release.