Trump Calls Out Saudi King, Demands More Oil in Early Morning Tweetstorm
President Donald Trump asked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to increase crude oil production to put downward pressure prices and alleviate some pain at the gas pumps.
Trump tweeted on Saturday morning he asked King Salman to “increase oil production, maybe up to 2,000,000 barrels, to make up the difference,” adding, “Prices to high! He has agreed!”
Saudi officials told The Wall Street Journal they made no firm commitment to increase crude production, “but rather assured the U.S. of its capability to meet oil demand.”
Renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran, unrest in Venezuela, escalating fighting in Libya and increased demand for oil have all put upward pressure on prices.
In response, Americans have seen gas prices increase more than 60 cents per gallon in the last year.
Democrats tried to seize on gas price hikes, blaming Trump’s policies for pain at the pump.
However, many experts say Trump’s policies had a negligible impact on gas prices, which were already on the rise.
Russia and Saudi Arabia have promised “measurable” output increases, possibly up to 1 million barrels per day to make up for renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Unrest in Venezuela caused production to collapse in the country, and escalating fighting in Libya have analysts worried about supply cuts.
Gas prices are down about 10 cents per gallon from highs in late May.
The national average price for a gallon of gas stands at $2.85 per gallon. Energy analysts expect prices to continue their downward trend though the end of the year.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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