The White House said U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has urged major U.S. oil companies to increase oil production to bring down domestic fuel prices.
White House press secretary Karen-Jean-Pierre indicated that no decision had been made to temporarily ban fuel exports from the United States.
Prior to that, a statement released by the US Department of Energy following the minister’s meeting with US companies on Thursday said that Granholm indicated during the meeting that oil companies should “propose ways to ensure the security of energy and supplies.”
The statement added that the minister made it clear that the US administration believes it is necessary to increase supplies in order to provide more gasoline at lower prices at gas stations.
Granholm instructed her aides to continue working with companies to resolve issues related to fuel supply and pricing, as well as to improve energy security in the United States.
US President Joe Biden has previously urged US companies to increase oil refining in light of high fuel prices and has supported the elimination of the federal fuel tax for several months.
Source: TASS