A global shortage of diesel fuel could persist through much of 2027 as inventories remain low across the United States, Europe and Asia, according to energy data and forecasts cited by Reuters.
U.S. distillate inventories stood at 107.9 million barrels as of Sept. 11, their lowest level for the month of September in records dating to 1982.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects stocks to fall below 100 million barrels in September and remain below the five-year minimum through the end of 2026 and for much of 2027.
Inventories Tight Across Major Hubs
July stocks at the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp trading hub were 16% below the five-year average. Singapore held 8.2 million barrels, compared with an average of 9.6 million barrels in 2025.
Reuters linked the supply squeeze to refinery and trade disruptions amid the wars involving Iran and Ukraine. The EIA forecasts average U.S. retail diesel prices of about $5.07 a gallon in 2026 and $4.40 in 2027.
Higher exports and refinery output in Asia could ease pressure, but the market’s limited reserve stocks leave it vulnerable to additional disruptions.
Source: Vesti Baku