UK transport minister says diesel supply remains robust amid US reserve push

Keir Mather told Sky News the UK has diverse diesel sources as US officials urge Europe to draw down reserves.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:26:51 GMT

Transport minister Keir Mather said Britain’s diesel supply is "robust" and "resilient" as the United States urges European countries to tap strategic reserves, according to the UK government.

What happened

On Thursday the UK joined crisis talks with Brussels to discuss the possible release of fuel stocks amid record diesel prices, which hit £2 per litre for the first time, according to RAC figures. The United States, represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, called for European nations to "immediately" use their diesel reserves. Earlier that day President Donald Trump told reporters he may ask Europe to draw down from those reserves.

What the reports add

Standard.co.uk reported that the UK imports roughly 55% of its diesel, with the United States supplying about a third of that volume. The outlet also noted that diesel prices have surged in recent months due to disruptions caused by the US‑Israel war against Iran and the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine conflict.

What was said

Keir Mather told Sky News, "I want to reassure people this morning that the United Kingdom has got a diverse range of supply when it comes to diesel. We have resilience built into our system for that reason." The statement was reported by Standard.co.uk. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said European countries should "immediately" begin to use their reserves, also reported by Standard.co.uk.

How it came about

The current pressure on diesel markets follows a series of geopolitical shocks, including the US‑Israel war against Iran and the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, which have constrained global fuel supplies. Earlier this week, the US Treasury called on Europe to tap strategic diesel reserves, a request echoed by President Trump. The UK’s participation in talks with Brussels reflects ongoing coordination among European partners to manage the supply crunch. For earlier coverage of the US request, see Trump says US may ask Europe to release diesel reserves amid price surge.

Key facts

UK transport minister Keir Mather described the diesel supply as robust and resilient. (standard.co.uk)
Diesel price reached a record £2 per litre in the UK. (standard.co.uk)
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European countries to immediately use diesel reserves. (standard.co.uk)
President Donald Trump said he may ask Europe to draw down diesel reserves. (standard.co.uk)
The UK imports about 55% of its diesel, with the US providing roughly a third of that. (standard.co.uk)

Timeline

2026-10-02 — US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges Europe to use diesel reserves
2026-10-02 — President Donald Trump says he may ask Europe to draw down reserves
2026-10-02 — UK joins crisis talks with Brussels on diesel stock release