EU ‘fully rejects’ US threat to ban diesel exports unless bloc releases more fuel stocks

The EU pushed back hard Friday against US threats to impose a diesel export ban, as Washington pressures Europe to tap its strategic reserves in a bid to bring down fuel prices. The United States’ war in Iran has sent energy prices skyrocketing, coming back to bite US President Donald Trump at home with high fuel costs, a key issue in the run-up to midterm congressional elections next month. “We fully reject any ban on diesel. A ban would not be beneficial to anyone. It would undermine our trust in the United States as a reliable partner,” European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said. Read moreEuropean drivers choke on rising diesel prices due to Iran conflict The 27-nation bloc was ready to work with the International Energy Agency on the possible release of fuel reserves to contain prices, she added, following crisis talks between member states and commission to forge a unified response. Earlier Friday, French leader Emmanuel Macron spoke to Trump and urged G7 nations to work together on the matter – while also speaking out against any export ban. “The president stressed that G7 countries had a common interest in acting in a coordinated way, without export restrictions...