UK in talks with EU partners to release strategic fuel reserves if needed, BBC understands

Britain is in talks with EU partners to release additional strategic fuel reserves, including diesel, if needed, the BBC understands.

The talks come after President Donald Trump threatened to ban diesel exports from the US in a bid to reduce record prices at the pumps for Americans.

Diesel prices in the UK also hit record highs this week and are hovering just under 200p per litre, according to motoring organisation the RAC.

The US is a vital supplier of diesel to the world, exporting between 1.2 and 1.5 million barrels per day, with experts warning a ban on shipments abroad could put further pressure on prices in other countries.

"We're thinking about it very seriously," Trump said of an export ban at the weekend.

Energy Minister Martin McCluskey was on a call with European counterparts on Thursday to discuss the potential ban.

A source familiar with the discussions told the BBC it was prudent to prepare a co-ordinated response with other countries, including those across EU, but added that there were still European reserves left from a coordinated release of strategic fuel stocks earlier in the year.

"We have a diverse and resilient supply. We continue to engage with our international partners and the UK fuel industry," a government spokesperson said. The government has stressed that there is no cause for concern about potential diesel shortages, though prices are expected to rise further.

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