US diesel exports hit a record 1.9 million barrels a day, pushing domestic inventories to their lowest since 1996

According to Oilprice.com, citing the US Energy Information Administration, US diesel fuel exports hit a record high of 1.9 million barrels a day in the week to August 6, 2026 (15 Mordad 1405), breaking the previous record set earlier this spring. Most of the surge in exports has gone to Europe, driven by fuel shortages elsewhere in the world stemming from the West Asia energy crisis. EIA data also showed domestic diesel production fell in the same week, with inventories now 12 percent below the five year average. Bloomberg separately reported that US diesel exports had held at around 1.5 million barrels a day for five consecutive weeks before jumping to the record, and that diesel stockpiles have now fallen to their lowest level since 1996. Analysts warn that with refinery maintenance season running from August through October and winter approaching, potential shortages of diesel and heating oil could worsen.