European countries will meet on Friday to discuss releasing emergency fuel stocks as soaring diesel prices put pressure on governments and the United States urges Europe to act.
Washington has warned European allies to release more diesel supplies or risk a US export ban, a European Commission spokesperson told Euronews.
The talks come as the diesel market tightens ahead of winter, driving up prices for consumers and raising concerns over supplies.
European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen told Euronews on Thursday that a new emergency release was "a possibility".
"We are discussing with all members of the International Energy Agency (IEA), not only the United States, when the right time is to release, because this is one of the opportunities that we have," the Danish commissioner said.
"We've used it before, and we'll likely use it again."
Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, confirmed the meeting on Friday.
A spokesperson for Ireland's Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment said the diesel market was "very tight", resulting in high prices for consumers worldwide.
Ireland is coordinating with EU countries and the European Commission to "take stock of the situation" and "examine appropriate measures" to tackle high prices, the spokesperson said.
The discussions will also involve the International Energy Agency, which coordinated collective action in March to support oil markets following US and Israeli military attacks against Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
IEA chief Fatih Birol has also urged European countries to make use of their diesel stocks.
The reserves have not been tapped since the agency's first emergency oil release in March, when 400 million barrels of oil were put on the market.
Macron speaks to Trump over energy crisis
With pressure mounting, French President Emmanuel Macron held an overnight call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the global energy situation, according to the Elysée.
The French presidency said the two countries shared a "common interest" in coordinated action "without export restrictions".
Macron also discussed the issue with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The talks stressed "the need to work together to combat rising fuel prices" and "ensure the global availability of refined products", according to the Elysée.
A videoconference of G7 leaders, with France currently holding the presidency, will take place "as soon as possible".
"The aim is to coordinate measures to help ease price pressures and guarantee supplies of crude oil and refined products — both among G7 nations and globally," the Elysée said.
"Coordination efforts are also underway at the European level."
EU holds technical talks on possible emergency release
EU countries will meet on Friday under the Commission's crisis-monitoring and coordination table for energy security.
The forum is used for technical discussions on whether disruptions threaten supplies and what coordinated action may be needed.
An EU source said representatives from France, Germany, Ireland and the UK held a call with the European Commission on 1 October.
The call appears to have preceded Friday morning's technical meeting.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent renewed pressure on European countries on Thursday, urging them to release additional supplies.
"Our European partners should accelerate delivery on their existing commitments and make additional supplies immediately available to address ongoing disruptions," Bessent wrote on X.
"American farmers, truckers, and businesses should not be left carrying the burden of a global diesel shortage. America is doing its part. We look to our allies to match their commitments with action."
EU diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the US tone as "rough", saying Washington was not sending "gentle diplomatic messages".
The Trump administration has been considering a 90-day diesel export ban as it seeks to contain domestic fuel prices ahead of November's midterm elections.
