The European Union has rejected calls to impose a ban on diesel exports, pushing back against threats from US President Donald Trump as British pump prices reached an all-time high of £2 per litre.

European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen dismissed any proposed export restrictions amid the soaring cost of oil and fuel, stating: "A ban would not be beneficial to anyone. It would undermine our trust in the United States as a reliable partner." Reuters reported that the Trump administration had threatened a potential US diesel export ban if allies failed to draw down their own stockpiles to help lower prices.

The diplomatic standoff comes as Energy Secretary Ed Miliband represents the UK at an emergency G7 meeting this afternoon to address surging diesel costs, Sky News reports. The summit follows discussions yesterday between Britain and European allies over the possibility of releasing emergency fuel reserves. We previously reported that G7 nations had already agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of stockpiles; in fact, formal talks on whether to draw down reserves remain ongoing ahead of today's meeting.

A UK Government spokesperson told GB News that Britain retains a "diverse and resilient supply" of diesel and continues to engage with international partners and the domestic fuel industry as the US-Iran conflict persists. Mr Miliband also remains in regular contact with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright regarding stockpiles and wider energy security.

According to RAC Fuel Watch data, average UK diesel prices have now reached £2 a litre for the first time and show no signs of slowing. Drivers are paying an extra 57.6p per litre—a 40.5 per cent increase—since the conflict began in late February, when prices averaged 142.38p.

Britain remains vulnerable to international market shocks due to its reliance on foreign refining. Figures from Fuels Industry UK show the UK imports roughly 55 per cent of its road diesel, up from just 14 per cent in 2003. Last year, the United States accounted for around 31 per cent of the UK's imported diesel and 30 per cent of its imported crude oil.

Global fuel markets have also been tightened by disruption in the Middle East and wider geopolitical tensions. Russian state media TASS reported that Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed a domestic gasoline shortage, stating: "Regarding gasoline, we are currently seeing a slight shortage on the market. We are taking all necessary measures to cover this shortage to prevent any shortages." Mr Novak maintained that Russian diesel and kerosene production remains sufficient, following earlier statements from President Vladimir Putin that Moscow will not export diesel until international sanctions are addressed.

I will continue to monitor the outcome of this afternoon's G7 discussions to see what measures ministers agree to take to relieve the pressure on UK forecourts.