Oklahomans Concerned For Local Economy Amid Biden’s Call To OPEC To Help Lower Gas Prices

The White House is calling on OPEC to produce more crude oil to help lower gas prices, but some Oklahoma gas and oil companies worry this will hurt the local economy.

AAA said gas prices are now higher than they’ve been all year.

The Oklahoma gas price average is $2.88, which is still lower than most of the nation.

The Biden administration wants to lower gas prices by increasing supply. But state oil and gas leaders want to focus on producing oil here.

“I just filled my truck up and it was $64, and I’m not used to that,” Kenneth Reynolds said.

Like many others, it's a burden Reynolds said is hitting his wallet.

“Well, me being on social security, I really have to ration my gas,” Reynolds said.

President Biden's request for foreign crude oil producers to ramp up production comes as gas prices go up.

Former Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett now runs Keener Oil & Gas Company. He said the administration’s plan leaves American companies at a disadvantage.

“It puts us in a situation where we have to cut back on our drilling budgets or eliminate them, have to lay people off again,” Bartlett said.

Many workers, including Oklahomans, lost their jobs when the Biden administration shut down the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would carry more than 800,000 barrels daily.

The President also put a stop to drilling on federal lands. Bartlett said American companies were already limited to contribute to the country's supply.

“But if we’re told to rely on other countries for our energy needs, we’re in dire straits,” Bartlett said.

AAA Oklahoma Spokesperson Mark Madeja said crude oil prices are below $70 a barrel, but they'd need to get near $60 before prices go down.

“It still takes two or three weeks for it to catch up and for consumers to see that at the pump,” Madeja said.

In response to President Biden's request, Governor Kevin Stitt said in a statement in part, “President Biden should grow America’s energy independence and support domestic oil and gas production rather than turning his back on hardworking Oklahomans.”

AAA said to expect high gas prices for the rest of the summer.