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As a result of the sanctions on Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, many are paying more for gas as prices are increasing. US President Joe Biden called out the fossil fuel industry for increasing the gas prices for the public despite lower oil prices.
Biden took to Twitter to criticize the fossil fuel industry for trying to increase the price of gasoline despite the price of oil lowering. Biden also shared a chart as he criticized the industry.
“Oil prices are decreasing, gas prices should too,” said Biden. “Last time oil was $96 a barrel, gas was $3.62 a gallon. Now it’s $4.31. Oil and gas companies shouldn’t pad their profits at the expense of hardworking Americans.”
Republicans and right-wingers have sought to blame Biden for the increasing rates of gas at the pump, claiming that the US is not as energy independent as it used to be. To note, Biden has no direct control over gas prices and little indirect ability to impact gas prices as well.
Meanwhile, the US leader is expected to warn his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that China will also face serious consequences should it decide to back Russia as both countries are allied. Biden is set to speak with Xi on the phone Friday since their virtual summit by video call back in November.
The conversation would be a chance for both leaders to raise their respective concerns as Russia continues its offensive on Ukraine, placing China in a bind. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that it will be a chance for Biden to determine where Xi “stands” in the ongoing crisis.
The phone call between Biden and Xi follows news of several countries, including the US, the UK, France, Norway, Albania, and Ireland, are accusing Russia and its dictator Vladimir Putin of committing war crimes. Paris claimed that Putin was only pretending to be interested in negotiating a peace deal with the countries and Ukraine.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that there is “very, very strong evidence” of war crimes being committed by Russia as the crisis moves into its fourth week.
