UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing calls to secure an exemption for Britain amid US plans to potentially ban diesel exports. The Trump administration is reportedly considering measures to restrict diesel and crude oil shipments overseas, aiming to lower domestic fuel prices in the United States. The prospect of such a ban has raised significant concerns over possible disruptions to fuel supplies and price increases in the UK and Europe.
Approximately one-third of the diesel consumed in the UK currently comes from the US. This reliance has prompted Conservative and Reform Party figures to urge Burnham to engage with Washington to protect British fuel interests. Robert Jenrick, Treasury spokesperson for Reform, warned in a letter to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that an embargo would be detrimental to both countries. Jenrick called for a UK-specific exemption, citing the “long-standing special relationship” between the UK and the US.
Jenrick criticized Burnham for not addressing the issue publicly, suggesting the prime minister’s efforts would be better focused on preventing any diesel export ban rather than other diplomatic matters. He also advised against planned fuel duty increases set by Labour Chancellor John Healey, warning that additional taxation on diesel could seriously harm the economy and consumers’ finances.
Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie echoed calls for urgent government action, highlighting the impact rising diesel prices already have on farmers, hauliers, tradespeople, and other sectors dependent on affordable fuel. Bowie urged ministers to actively seek a carve-out from any export restrictions, although he expressed skepticism over Labour’s negotiating effectiveness.
The UK Government has yet to issue a direct statement on the potential US diesel ban but maintains that the nation’s fuel supply remains “diverse and resilient.” An energy department spokesman confirmed continued engagement with international partners and the domestic fuel industry. Reports indicate that British diplomats are lobbying officials in Washington to oppose the measures.
At the European level, the European Commission is also pressing the US to abandon the export ban proposals. A Commission spokesperson described the potential restrictions as “a bad idea” with the potential to negatively affect both sides of the Atlantic by driving prices higher and risking supply shortages.
Europe is dependent on imports for about 20% of its diesel consumption, with over half of those supplies originating from the US, according to market data company Kpler. Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute has warned that a diesel export ban could remove the largest source of global diesel, resulting in “catastrophic” damage to the global economy, including adverse effects on the United States itself.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has indicated that a total ban on exports is unlikely, suggesting instead the consideration of voluntary, targeted caps. However, the uncertainty surrounding the final decision continues to fuel concern among UK and European stakeholders about potential economic disruptions and fuel market instability.