The largest U.S. oil trade groups said on Oct. 4 that they have “significant concerns” that the Biden administration is considering limiting fuel exports to lower consumer prices and urged top officials to take the option off the table, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
The joint letter from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufactures to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm represents the latest volley in a clash between the oil industry and the Biden administration over high energy prices.
President Joe Biden has made battling an energy-led surge in consumer prices a top priority and has repeatedly chided oil companies for earning bumper profits at a time of record gasoline prices.
Biden has repeated those accusations in recent weeks as gasoline prices began to tick back up leading into the November midterm elections, after weeks of declines.
The idea of limiting U.S. fuel exports to keep domestic energy prices in check was largely dismissed as unlikely by the oil industry when it first came up months ago, but the letter on Oct. 4 shows the industry is becoming increasingly concerned the administration could move ahead with it.
In August, Granholm sent a letter to U.S. refining companies urging them to focus more on building domestic inventories of gasoline and diesel, and less on exports. She warned that if they did not, the administration would need to consider “emergency measures,” but offered no specifics.
On Sept. 30, Granholm and top White House officials repeated that warning in a hastily called virtual meeting about energy prices. White House officials have said restrictions on energy exports are not being considered “at this time,” but that they have not been ruled out entirely.
The groups said in their letter that recent discussions raised “significant concerns” that the administration may pursue a ban or limit on fuel exports.
“Banning or limiting the export of refined products would likely decrease inventory levels, reduce domestic refining capacity, put upward pressure on consumer fuel prices, and alienate U.S. allies during a time of war. For these reasons, we urge the Biden administration to take this option off the table,” the groups said, referring to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In response to the letter, an Energy Department spokesperson said that energy companies were raking in record high profits after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine instead of ensuring that U.S. consumers and allies have a reliable fuel supply at a fair price. The administration is “going to continue to look at all tools available to protect Americans and uphold our commitments to our allies,” the spokesperson said.
The U.S. has approximately 18 million bbl/d of refining capacity and averages about 3.5 million bbl/d of fuel exports, with Latin America a major destination.
Recommended Reading
Petrie Partners: A Small Wonder
2024-02-01 - Petrie Partners may not be the biggest or flashiest investment bank on the block, but after over two decades, its executives have been around the block more than most.
Thanks to New Technologies Group, CNX Records 16th Consecutive Quarter of FCF
2024-01-26 - Despite exiting Adams Fork Project, CNX Resources expects 2024 to yield even greater cash flow.
Cheniere Energy Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend, Distribution
2024-01-26 - Cheniere’s quarterly cash dividend is payable on Feb. 23 to shareholders of record by Feb. 6.
Marathon Petroleum Sets 2024 Capex at $1.25 Billion
2024-01-30 - Marathon Petroleum Corp. eyes standalone capex at $1.25 billion in 2024, down 10% compared to $1.4 billion in 2023 as it focuses on cost reduction and margin enhancement projects.
Humble Midstream II, Quantum Capital Form Partnership for Infrastructure Projects
2024-01-30 - Humble Midstream II Partners and Quantum Capital Group’s partnership will promote a focus on energy transition infrastructure.