White House Takes Closer Look at Controversial Gasoline Export Ban Option
- Energy Department asked to analyze impacts of possible ban
- Oil industry trade groups warn move could boost US fuel prices
A liquefied natural gas carrier ship is docked at a terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas.
Photographer: Eric Kayne/Bloomberg
White House officials have asked the US Energy Department to analyze the possible impacts of a ban on exports of gasoline, diesel and other refined petroleum products, an indication that the controversial idea is gaining traction in some parts of the Biden administration.
The request follows a tense meeting between top administration officials and oil industry executives and comes amid growing concern that high gasoline prices pose a political threat to Democrats in the November elections, according to people familiar with the discussions. The Energy Department is providing insights on the economics at play and evaluating all tools on the table, but not in response to a formal or informal request for a study, said a another person familiar with administration conversations on the matter. Both people asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations.