By Bring Me The News – April 7, 2022
Despite a recent dip in crude oil costs, prices at the pump have remained high, both in Minnesota and nationally.
Minnesota. Rep. Angie Craig was among the lawmakers to question oil executives about rising gas prices amid Russia’s ongoing invasion in Ukraine.
At a Wednesday meeting with the House’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Minnesota’s 2nd District representative spoke to representatives from oil companies including Exxon Mobil, Shell and Chevron.
The Democrat was critical of the executives, accusing them of taking advantage of the various crises to “gouge” Americans at the pumps.
“The six oil companies testifying at today’s hearing collectively generated more than $76 billion in profit in 2021 – and first quarter numbers look even higher for 2022,” Craig said in her opening remarks.
“I don’t fault you for making money. You’re a business. But we’ve got a pandemic and we’ve got Putin. And you are using these crises to price gouge the American people. You are using these crises to gouge my constituents.”
Gas prices remain high despite drop in oil costs
Russia’s ongoing invasion into Ukraine has caused uncertainties around the global fuel supply. President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil imports last month following the invasion. And the Senate is expected to vote on a bill to codify that ban Thursday, according to NBC News.