No publicly disclosed American proposal offers to replace the #diesel Europe releases, cover the cost of replenishing its reserves or provide extra fuel in return. Europe’s diesel is already usable. American crude must first reach a refinery, where it is processed into diesel and other fuels. How much diesel each barrel yields depends on the crude and the refinery.

Washington is therefore comparing two different contributions. American companies borrow crude and must return it with additional barrels, whilst Europe is being pressed to release finished diesel without an equivalent American guarantee to help rebuild its reserves afterwards. In other words, the US counts its own unfinished promise as a commitment honoured, but treats Europe’s as grounds for punishment. The same failure earns America credit and Europe a threat.