President Donald Trump will meet with U.S. refiners and fuel distributors on Sept. 1 to explore ways to expand the nation’s refining capacity, with the goal of lowering gasoline prices, according to a White House official.
The meeting will include Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, National Energy Dominance Director Jarrod Agen and a mix of small, medium and large refiners and distributors, the official said on the condition of anonymity.
The president is prioritizing “concrete, near-term steps” to increase refining capacity at a time when an increase in Venezuelan crude flow to U.S. refineries is expected, according to the White House official. However, the individual did not immediately provide specifics on the steps or how
they could lower gas prices.
On Aug. 28, Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States secured majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves through a partnership with private business to bring down U.S. gas prices.
He did not provide details on how the agreement is structured.
The U.S. national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.10 according to AAA Fuel Prices, marking a nearly 40% increase since the United States and Israel first attacked Iran on Feb. 28. The conflict, and ensuing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, roiled oil markets around the globe.
Recent polling shows that high pump prices are driving down presidential approval and hurting Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
Eight in 10 Americans believe attacking Iran increased the cost of gas and groceries, and a majority disapprove of the war in Iran according to a new UMass Amherst Poll.
The poll, conducted Aug. 21-26 with 1,000 respondents, shows that Trump’s overall job approval has decreased by one percentage point since April, to 32%, with disapproval of his performance now reaching 64%.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump to meet with US refiners over high fuel prices amid Iran war
