Do You Know? The UK imports around a third of its diesel from the United States, according to the source, leaving the country exposed to any restriction on US exports.
What happened
The UK government is holding discussions with US authorities over a possible stoppage of diesel exports and has begun preparing for a potential ban, Chancellor John Healey told BBC News on 28 September 2026.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to restrict diesel exports. The source reports that he said at the weekend that the idea was being considered “very seriously”. The White House had been contacted for comment.
Healey said the UK was working closely with the US and was making provisions for the possibility that domestic stocks might be needed. He described UK diesel prices as “extreme”.
Why it matters
A US export ban could put further pressure on UK diesel supplies and prices. The UK is already facing wider fuel supply pressures linked, according to the source, to the US-Israel conflict with Iran and Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The RAC said the average UK diesel price reached 199.18 pence per litre on Monday, exceeding the previous high of 199.09p recorded in June 2022. Petrol was priced at 174.13p per litre, according to the motoring organisation.
The RAC said diesel prices had entered “uncharted territory” and highlighted the UK’s exposure to events occurring overseas.
Government response
Healey said the government was preparing what he called a “breathing space” Budget, scheduled for 28 October. A freeze on fuel duty, first introduced by the Conservative government in 2022, is due to expire at the end of 2026.
Under the schedule described in the source, fuel duty is due to rise by 3p in January and a further 2p in March.
Healey said that a diplomatic settlement and an end to the fighting with Iran would help ease pressure on businesses and households. He also said the government was working with the US to find a solution or significantly reduce the impact of the situation.
What happens next
- UK and US authorities are expected to continue discussions over the potential export restriction.
- The UK is reviewing how its domestic diesel stocks could be used if supplies are disrupted.
- Fuel prices and the planned fuel-duty changes will remain important issues ahead of the 28 October Budget.
Bottom Line
The possible US diesel export ban has not been confirmed, but the UK government is preparing for the risk as domestic diesel prices reach a new high and international supply pressures persist.
Source
This report is based on information published by BBC Business.
