For Midterm Elections? Trump Supports Diesel Export Ban, EU Fumes: A Lose-Lose 'Bad Idea'

The European Union has today slammed a potential diesel export ban by the United States, which is supported by President Donald Trump, criticizing it as a 'bad idea' that could harm both parties. According to AFP, Trump expressed support this week for a diesel export ban, amid rising fuel prices driven by Middle East conflicts, which could jeopardize his Republican Party's control of Congress in the November midterm elections. Olof Gill, spokesperson for the European Commission, said at a press conference, 'We think this is a bad idea,' and added that Brussels is 'concerned' about the U.S. plan. Gill stated, 'We believe this could have negative consequences for both sides, and we have already conveyed this view to the U.S. at the highest level.' Like the U.S., Europe has faced persistent high fuel prices since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war in late February, but Europe's reliance on imports is far greater than that of the U.S. An AFP analysis today of member state data released by the European Commission found that the average diesel price at gas stations across the EU has reached a record high of €2.23 per liter (approximately NT$80). The European Commission stated that in August this year, diesel supplied by the U.S. accounted for about 50% of the EU's diesel imports.