France and Germany hold 35% of the EU’s strategic diesel reserves / US calls for stockpiles to be released

France and Germany together hold approximately 35% of the European Union’s strategic reserves of diesel and gasoil, at a time when the United States is pressuring European countries to release emergency stocks, amid rising fuel prices.

According to the latest Eurostat data, for May 2025, EU countries held approximately 39 million tonnes of diesel and gasoil in stock. France held 8.2 million tonnes, while Germany held 5.6 million.

U.S. officials accuse the two countries of failing to fully meet their commitments under the operation coordinated by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The measure aims to offset supply disruptions caused by the war with Iran, according to sources cited by Reuters.

The EU did not immediately comment on the allegations.

European rules require member states to maintain reserves equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports or 61 days of domestic consumption. In March, the IEA decided to release around 400 million barrels globally, with the EU’s contribution estimated at 20%.

For now, the Union has not decided on further releases of diesel or other petroleum products.