The new head of Total challenged Europe to fight Washington over the US oil export ban, in his first public appearance since his predecessor. LONDON, Oct 30 (Reuters) – The new head of French energy major Total challenged Europe to fight Washington over the U.S. oil export ban, in his first public appearance since his predecessor Christophe de Margerie was killed in a Moscow plane crash last week. Patrick Pouyanne said on Thursday the export ban flouts free-trade agreements and puts European and Asian refiners at a disadvantage, making a bold appeal to European politicians. “We need to fight and put this topic on the table,” Pouyanne said during a sometimes emotional appearance at London’s annual Oil & Money conference, where de Margerie had been a popular speaker over the years. “I hope the European Commission […]